
Class --" 

Book -A? 



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COKfRlGHI DEPOSIE 



BOOK OF CHURCH SERVICES 



BOOK OF 

CHURCH SERVICES 

With 

Orders of Worship, Prayers, and 

Other Aids to Devotion 



PREPARED BY A COMMISSION OF THE 

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CONGREGATIONAL 

CHURCHES 

Charles H. Richards, Chairman 



THE PILGRIM PRESS 

BOSTON CHICAGO 



.A3 



Copyright 1922 
By S. a. WESTON 



JUL 24 72 

THE JORDAN & MORE PRESS 
BOSTON 

©CI.A6 778 4 

71*-./. 



DEDICATED 
TO THE 

iM^morg of ll|r ptlgrtm ^nt^trB 

'who shook the depths of the desert 
gloom with their hymns of 

LOFTY CHEER " 



PREFACE 

In nearly every branch of the Christian 
church there is a growing desire to make the 
service of worship more suitable and effective. 
It need not be more formal, but it may well be 
more beautiful and attractive. The order in 
which the different parts of these services are 
arranged proceeds from Aspiration to Adora- 
tion and Praise; from Praise to Prayer, from 
Prayer to Reflection, culminating in Inspira- 
tion and Consecration. There should be in 
the service a nobility of expression and a fitness 
of phrase which satisfy mind and heart, for, 
as has been well said, '' the worship of the church 
should represent the very ideal of thought and 
feeling and language.'' 

Because of this increasing appreciation of 
the importance of elevating and enriching the 
service of worship, the National Council of 
Congregational Churches has for several years 
had a Commission on Worship, and has author- 
ized it to publish the results of its studies and 
labors. Those who have served on this Com- 
mission are as follows: Rev. Charles H. Rich- 
ards, Chairman; Rev. Lucius H. Thayer; 
Dean Edward I. Bosworth; Prof. John W. 
Buckham; Prof. Waldo S. Pratt; Rev. Harry 
P. Dewey; Prof. Henry Hallam Tweedy; Rev. 
Charles H. Cutler, and President W. Douglas 
Mackenzie. 

The services here presented cover nearly all 
the customary occasions of church worship. 
Many of them are already in use. They repre- 



Book of Church Services 

sent the progress that has been made from the 
barren and meager services of former days to 
the rich and satisfying order now in increasing 
use. 

The use of these services is, of course, entirely 
optional. It may be that some churches may 
wish to adopt this as their Book of Worship, 
the use of which will not abridge their freedom, 
but may make the services of the sanctuary 
more uplifting. Such churches should make 
sure that every member of the congregation is 
supplied with the book, so that all the people 
may participate in the common worship. Others 
may find the book suggestive, and may be as- 
sisted by it in preparing their own orders of 
service. 

We hope that pastors may find the book help- 
ful both in the study and in the pulpit. If it 
shall assist them in their preparation for public 
prayer, or in the varied ministrations in which 
they engage, we shall be very grateful. As a 
Pastor's Handbook it may be welcome to many. 
They may familiarize themselves with it so 
thoroughly that they can use it with freedom 
and accuracy. 

We have had constantly in mind, also, the 
needs of the smaller churches, so many of which 
are often pastorless. The critical time between 
pastorates in such churches, often lasting several 
months, is one of great peril. A closed church 
means serious loss. Doubtless a chief reason 
for the slow growth, for the decline and death, of 
many of the small churches is the interruption 
of their regular services and work. With the aid 
of such a book as this a layman or a laywoman, 
in the absence of a pastor, may conduct a service 

viii 



Preface 

that will be helpful and inspiring, without the 
loss of a single Sunday. The sermon and the 
singing may easily be provided. Those who 
have the care of our home missionary churches 
may thus find a solution for one of their serious 
problems. 

To the orders of service there is added a 
collection of prayers suitable for various occa- 
sions, drawn from many sources, ancient and 
modern. They are adapted for use in the church 
and in the home. The wealth of devotional 
material furnished in the service books of 
churches in the old world and the new, and in 
such manuals as that of John Hunter and others, 
which have been freely and gratefully drawn 
upon, cannot fail to be of great value to all de- 
vout spirits. While we urge freedom in prayer, 
the spontaneous outpouring of the soul to God 
in one's own words as the occasion may prompt, 
we are confident that these prayers from the 
hearts of Christian leaders of the ages voice 
universal needs, and may well be used in both 
public and private worship. 

We hope that this book may be used in the 
home as a guide and help in Family Prayer. 
The petitions grouped under various topics 
are pathways of approach to God by which the 
entire household may draw near to him. 

If this book shall help to make the service of 
worship in the churches more attractive, digni- 
fied, effective, and reverent, and promote the 
participation of all the people in the service, 
it will have served its purpose. 

It seems not unfitting that this service book, 
published upon the tercentenary of the coming 
of the Pilgrim Fathers to Plymouth, should be 



Book of Church Services 

dedicated to their memory. For while the en- 
richment of the forms of worship, which it regis- 
ters and seeks to promote, is not in Hteral accord 
with their ideas, its chief purpose is to deepen 
and extend that spirit of reverent worship which 
sustained them in their great and holy enter- 
prise. 



CONTENTS 



Preface vii 

The Call to Worship 1 

Offertory Sentences 4 

An Order of Worship 6 

A Morning Service — ^ I 7 

A Morning Service — II. . . 10 

A Vesper Service — ^ 1 24 

A Vesper Service — II 30 

A Choral Vesper Service 36 

An Evening Service 42 

A Service for the Organization or Recogni- 
tion OF A Church 47 

A Service for Laying the Corner-Stone of a 

Church 52 

A Service for the Dedication of a Church .... 56 

A Service for the Dedication of an Organ. . . 66 

A Service for the Dedication of a Parish House 73 
A Service for the Ordination (or Installation) 

OF A Minister 80 

A Service for the Baptism or Consecration of 

Children 87 

A Service for the Reception of Members of the 

Church 91 

A Service for the Communion of the Lord's 

Supper 95 

A Children's Day Service 103 

A Home Missionary Service . 108 

A Foreign Missionary Service 114 

A Service of Patriotism 120 

A Forefathers' Day Service 127 

A Thanksgiving Day Service 132 

A Christmas Service 139 

An Easter Service 144 

A Marriage Service — I 150 

A Briefer Marriage Service — II 154 

A Funeral Service 157 

Prayers and Collects 178 

Ascriptions 205 

Benedictions 207 



THE CALL TO WORSHIP 

\One or more of the following passages may he used: 

The Lord is in his holy temple : let all the earth 

keep silence before him. 
Surely the Lord is in this place. This is none 

other but the house of God, and this is the 

gate of heaven. 
O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt 

his name together. 

Let the people praise thee, O Lord: let all the 

people praise thee. 
O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. 
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into 

his courts with praise. 

Sing unto the Lord, bless his name: show forth 

his salvation from day to day. 
O come, let us worship and bow down, let us 

kneel before the Lord our Maker. 
For he is our God, and we are the people of his 

pasture, and the sheep of his hand. 

. I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go 

into the house of the Lord. 
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation 

of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, 
O Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer. 

Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Zion; and 
unto thee shall the vow be performed. 

O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all 
flesh come. 



Book of Church Services 

Blessed is the man whom thou choosest and 
causest to approach unto thee, that he 
may dwell in thy courts. 

We shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy 
house, even of thy holy temple. 

Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, in 

the city of our God, in the mountain of his 

holiness. 
We have thought of thy loving-kindness, O God, 

in the midst of thy temple. 
For this God is our God for ever and ever: he 

will be our guide even unto death. 

O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed 

is the man that trusteth in him. 
The angel of the Lord encampeth round about 

them that fear him, and delivereth them. 
The Lord redeemeth the soul of his servants, 

and none of them that trust in him shall be 

desolate. 

O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for 
his mercy endureth forever. 

O that men would praise the Lord for his good- 
ness, and for his wonderful works to the 
children of men! 

Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, 
and declare his works with rejoicing. 

O come, let us sing unto the Lord ; let us make a 
joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. 

Let us search and try our ways, and turn again 
unto the Lord. Let us lift up our hearts 
with our hands unto God in the heavens. 



The Call to Worship 

My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O 
Lord. In the morning will I direct my pray- 
ers unto thee, and will look up. 

I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my 
heart; and I will glorify thy name for ever-^ 
more; for great is thy mercy toward me. 

For Evening Worship 

Behold, bless ye the Lord, all ye servants of 
the Lord, who by night stand in the house 
of the Lord. 

Let our prayers be set forth as incense, and the 
lifting up of our hands as the evening sac- 
rifice. 

From the rising of the sun to the going down 
of the same the Lord's name is to be praised. 

Blessed is the man that maketh the Lord his 
trust. Rest in the Lord, wait patiently for 
him, and he shall give thee the desires of 
thy heart. 

It is a good thing to give thanks unto the 
Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O 
Most High; to show forth thy loving-kind- 
ness in the morning, and thy faithfulness 
every night. 

Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put 
your trust in the Lord. 

The day goeth away, and the shadows of even- 
ing are stretched out. 

But it shall come to pass, that at evening time 
there shall be light. 

God is light and in him is no darkness at all. 

Trust ye in the Lord forever, for in the Lord is 
everlasting strength. 



OFFERTORY SENTENCES 

^One or more of the following may he used: 

^Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he 
said, It is more blessed to give than to 
receive. 

Freely ye have received, freely give. 

Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
that though he was rich, yet for your sakes 
he became poor, that ye through his poverty 
might be rich. 

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ 
Jesus. 

Let your light so shine before men that they may 
see your good works, and glorify your 
Father who is in heaven. 

He giveth to all liberally, and upbraideth not. 

Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father 
who is in heaven is perfect. 

Whatsoever ye would that men should do unto 

you, do ye even so to them. 
Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the 

law of Christ. 

Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with 
the first fruits of all thine increase. 

Every man as he purposeth in his heart, so let 
him give. Not grudgingly, nor of neces- 
sity; for God loveth a cheerful giver. 

Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as unto the 

Lord, and not unto men. 
He that giveth, let him do it with liberality: he 

that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness. 

4 



J 



Offertory Sentences 

Upon the first day of the week let each one of 
you lay by him in store as God hath pros- 
pered him. 

Every man shall give as he is able, according 
to the blessing of the Lord thy God which 
he hath given thee. 

He that soweth sparingly shall reap also spar- 
ingly; and he that soweth bountifully shall 
reap also bountifully. 

With what measure ye mete, it shall be mea- 
sured to you again. 

Blessed is he that considereth the poor ; the Lord 
will deliver him in time of trouble. 

Whoso hath this world's goods, and seeth his 
brother have need, and shutteth up his com- 
passion from him, how dwelleth the love of 
God in him? 

To do good and to communicate forget not : for 
with such sacrifices God is well pleased. 

Give, and it shall be given unto you ; good mea- 
sure, pressed down, shaken together, running 
over, shall they give into your bosom. 

Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift! 

Charge them that are rich in this present world, 
that they be not high-minded, nor have their 
hope set on the uncertainty of riches, biit 
that they do good, that they be rich in good 
works, that they be ready to distribute, will- 
ing to communicate; laying up in store for 
themselves a good foundation against the 
time to come, that they may lay hold on the 
life which is life indeed. 

S 



AN ORDER OF WORSHIP 

TI The parts marked with an asterisk (*) are optional and 
may he omitted. 

ORGAN PRELUDE. 

* OPENING OR PROCESSIONAL HYMN. 

CALL TO WORSHIP. 

HYMN OF ASPIRATION OR PRAISE. 

^Congregation standing. 
INVOCATION closing with 
THE LORD'S PRAYER. 

If Congregation seated with bowed heads. 
HYMN OR CHANT OF PRAISE. 

^ Congregation standing till after the ^^ Gloria. ^^ 
RESPONSIVE READING OF SCRIPTURE. 

* Beatitudes, Commandments, or Creed if desired. 
GLORIA PATRI OR GLORIA IN EXCELSIS. 

^ Congregation standing, 
SCRIPTURE LESSON. 

* Anthem. 

* Second Scripture Lesson. 
CHOIR OR ORGAN RESPONSE. 
PASTORAL PRAYER. 

Brief Organ Response. 
OFFERTORY. 
HYMN. 

U Congregation standing, 
SERMON. 
HYMN. 

If Congregation standing. 
PRAYER followed by 
THE BENEDICTION. 

If Congregation seated with bowed heads, 

ORGAN FOSTLUPE. 



AN ORDER FOR MORNING SERVICE 

I 

THE ORGAN PRELUDE. 
OPENING HYMN. 

If Congregation standing and singing, 

1[ This may he a Processional Hymn if desired. 

^ One of the following or other appropriate hymns may he 
used: 

" God of our Fathers, whose almighty hand." 
" Lift up your head, rejoice." 
** Jerusalem the golden." 
" Rejoice, ye pure in heart." 

T[ The congregation still standing let the minister give 

THE CALL TO WORSHIP. 

Tf Then let the congregation join in singing 

A HYMN OF ASPIRATION OR PRAISE 

1[ One or two stanzas of the following or other appropriate 
hymns may be used: 

** Holy, holy, holy. Lord God Almighty." 
" Praise God from whom all blessings flow." 
** Love divine, all love excelling." 
** Nearer, my God, to thee." 

^ Then let the congregation he seated with howed heads while 
the minister leads them in 

THE INVOCATION. 

If The minister may, if he desires, use the following prayer 
or one of similar spirit: 

Almighty God, from whom cometh down 
every good and perfect gift, and who pourest 
out upon all who desire it the spirit of grace 
and supplication, deliver us, when we draw 



Book of Church Services 

nigh unto thee, from coldness of heart, and 
wanderings of mind; that with steadfast 
thoughts and kindled affections we may worship 
thee in spirit and in truth ; through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen} 

% Then let the minister and all the people unite in 

THE LORD'S PRAYER. 

If Then let the congregation stand and sing 

A HYMN OR CHANT OF PRAISE 

\ The Venite, Jubilate Deo, Te Deum LaudamuSy or other 
hymn of praise may he used. 

If Then let the minister and people unite in 

THE RESPONSIVE READING OF SCRIPTURE. 

If After the Responsive Reading let all sing 

THE GLORIA PATRI OR GLORIA IN EXCELSIS. 

If Tlien let the people he seated, and let the minister read 

THE SCRIPTURE LESSON. 

If After this Scripture Lesson may he sung 

AN ANTHEM 

If Then while the congregation is seated, wtth howed heads^ 
let the minister lead them in 

THE GENERAL PRAYER. 

If The minister on hehalf of the people ivill express their 
Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication 
and Communion, remembering the special needs of 
his congregation and the community, and the great 
interests of the Kingdom of God on earth. 

Tf He may use, at his discretion, any appropriate prayers in 
this book. 

Tf After the prayer there may he 

A BRIEF ORGAN RESPONSE. 

After this the morning offering may he received. 

1 Common Prayer. 

8 



3 



An Order for Morning Service 

THE OFFERTORY. 

Tf The minister may announce this with an appropriate 
Scripture passage. 

If When the offerings are brought hack the minister may re- 
ceive them with a brief prayer; or the congregation may 
rise and sing^ 

If ** All things come of thee, O Lord, and of thine own have 
we given thee." 

Tf Then let all the people sing 

A HYMN 

^ Then the minister may preach 

THE SERMON. 

If After the sermon let the congregation stand and sing 

A HYMN. 

Tf Then let the congregation be seated^ with bowed heads, while 
the minister leads them in 

THE CLOSING PRAYER. 

If Followed by 

THE BENEDICTION 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the 
love of God, and the communion of the Holy 
Spirit, be with you all. Amen. 

^ Let the congregation still remain with bowed heads for a 
moment or two of silent prayer. 

THE ORGAN POSTLUDE. 



AN ORDER FOR MORNING SERVICE 

II 

Fuller Form 

If Parts marked with an asterisk (*) are optional and 
may he omitted if desired. 

THE ORGAN PRELUDE. 

*A PROCESSIONAL HYMN. 

Tf Let the minister and congregation stand as the choir 
enters, and all join in the hymn. 

If The congregation still standing, let the minister in one or 
more of the following passages give 

THE CALL TO WORSHIP. 

Let the people praise thee, O Lord; let all the 

people praise thee. 
O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. 
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving and into 

his courts with praise. 
Sing unto the Lord, bless his name: show forth 

his salvation from day to day. 

If Then let the whole congregation join in singing 
A HYMN OF ASPIRATION OR PRAISE. 

1[ One or two stanzas of the following or other appropriate 
hymns may he used: 

" Come, thou Almighty King." 

" Our God, our help in ages past." 

" Holy, holy, holy. Lord God Almighty." 

" Safely through another week." 

" Praise God, from whom all blessings flow." 

O come, let us worship and bow down, let us 
kneel before the Lord our Maker. For he 
is our God, and we are the people of his 
pasture, and the sheep of his hand. 

10 



An Order for Morning Service 

Tf Then let the congregation he seated, with bowed heads y 
while the minister, in his own words, or, if he prefers^ 
using one of the following prayers, leads them in 

THE INVOCATION 

Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, 
all desires known, and from whom no 
secrets are hid; cleanse the thoughts of 
our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy 
Spirit: that we may perfectly love thee, 
and worthily magnify thy Holy Name, 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen} 

\ Here and after every prayer the people should say, Amen. 

Or this 

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who Kast 
made the Church thy dwelling-place, and 
hast taught us in thy word not to forsake 
the assembling of ourselves together; re- 
gard us in thy mercy, we beseech thee, 
who meet this day in thy holy place. 
Manifest thyself unto us, and bless us, 
that our worship may prepare us both to 
serve thee now and to glorify thee in thine 
eternal kingdom; through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen.^ 

Or this 

O God, our heavenly Father, who hast given 
us the gracious gift of this hour of worship, 
help us to use it aright, that from it may 
come to us peace and power, together with 
the furthering of thine eternal kingdom of 
truth and love. Let the words of our 
mouths and the meditations of our hearts 

1 Gregorian Sacramentary, A. D. 590. 

2 Scotch Book of Common Order. 

II 



Book of Church Services 

be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, our 
strength and our Redeemer. Amen. 

Or this 

We Hft up our eyes unto the hills, from whence 
cometh our help. Our help cometh from 
the Lord who made heaven and earth. 
As we gather in thy presence, our Father, 
so graciously meet us, so abundantly bless 
us, so restore unto us the joy of thy salva- 
tion, that this may be indeed a gate of 
heaven. And if any sound of trouble, if any 
remembrance of care, if any foreboding of 
evil have come upon us, remove these things 
far from us, and grant us thy peace, through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Or this 

O Almighty God, from whom cometh down every 
good and perfect gift, and who pourest 
out on all who desire it the spirit of grace 
and supplication; deliver us, when we draw 
nigh unto thee, from coldness of heart and 
wandering of mind; that with steadfast 
thoughts and kindled afTection we may 
w^orship thee in spirit and in truth, through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen} 

•" Then shall the minister and all the people unite in- 

THE LORD'S PRAYER. 

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be 
thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will 
be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give 
us this day our daily bread. And forgive 
us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 
And lead us not into temptation, but de- 

1 Common Prayer. 

12 



An Order for Morning Service 

liver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, 
and the power, and the glory, forever. 
Amen. 

1[ Then let the congregation stand and sing 

A HYMN OR CHANT OF PRAISE. 

^ The Venitey Jubilate Deo^ Te Deum Laudamus, or other 

hymn of praise may he used. 
U Then let the minister and congregation unite in 

THE RESPONSIVE READING OF SCRIPTURE. 

* 1[ Then may the congregation, led by the minister, recite in 

unison one of the following: 

* THE BEATITUDES. 

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the 

kingdom of heaven. 
Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be 

comforted. 
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the 

earth. 
Blessed are they who do hunger and thirst after 

righteousness, for they shall be filled. 
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain 

mercy. 
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see 

God. 
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be 

called the children of God. 
Blessed are they who are persecuted for right- 
eousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdorn of 

Heaven. 

Or this 

* THE COMMANDMENTS (shorter form). 

Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 
Thou shalt not make unto thee a graven image. 

13 



Book of Church Services 

Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy 
God in vain. 

Remember the sabbath day to keep it holy. 

Honor thy father and thy mother. 

Thou shalt not kill. 

Thou shalt not commit adultery. 

Thou shalt not steal. 

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy 
neighbor. 

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house . . . 
nor anything that is thy neighbor's. 

Remember also what our Lord Jesus Christ 
said : Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with 
all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with 
all thy mind. This is the first and great 
commandment. And the second is like 
unto it. Thou shalt love thy neighbor 
as thyself. On these two commandments 
hang all the law and the prophets. 

Or this 
*THE WAY OF PEACE. 

Let us put on, therefore, as God's elect, holy and 
beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, 
lowliness, meekness, long suffering: for- 
bearing one another, and forgiving one 
another, if any man have a complaint 
against any: even as the Lord forgave us, 
so let us forgive. And above all these 
things put on love, which is the bond of 
perfectness ; and let the peace of God rule 
in our hearts; for to this also are we called 
in one body. And let us show ourselves 
thankful. And let the word of Christ 
dwell in us richly, in all wisdom. And 
whatsoever we do, in word or in deed, let 

14 



An Order for Morning Service 

us do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, 
giving thanks to God the Father through 
him; and may the God of peace himself 
give us peace, at all times, in all ways. 
The Lord be with us all. (Col. iii.) 

Or this 

* THE CREED. 

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of 
heaven and earth. 

And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who 
was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of 
the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius 
Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; the 
third day he rose again from the dead; 
he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the 
right hand of God the Father Almighty; 
from thence he shall come to judge the 
quick and the dead. 

I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic 
church; the communion of saints; the for- 
giveness of sins; the resurrection of the 
dead, and the life everlasting. Amen. 

Or this 

* THE DECLARATION OF FAITH 

We believe in God the Father, infinite in wisdom, 
goodness and love ; 

And in Jesus Christ, his Son, our Lord and 
Saviour, who for us and our salvation lived 
and died and rose again and liveth ever- 
more ; 

And in the Holy Spirit, who taketh of the things 
of Christ and revealeth them to us, renew- 
ing, comforting and inspiring the souls of 
men. 

15 



Book of Church Services 

We are united in striving to know the will of 
God as taught in the Holy Scriptures, and in 
our purpose to walk in the ways of the Lord, 
made known or to be made known to us. 

We hold it to be the mission of the Church of 
Christ to proclaim the gospel to all mankind, 
exalting the worship of the one true God, 
and laboring for the progress of knowledge, 
the promotion of justice, the reign of peace 
and the realization of human brotherhood. 

Depending, as did our fathers, upon the con- 
tinued guidance of the Holy Spirit to lead 
us into all truth, we work and pray for the 
transformation of the world into the king- 
dom of God ; and we look with faith for the 
triumph of righteousness and the life ever- 
lasting. Amen} 

T[ After the Responsive Reading, or the unison recital, when 
used, let all the congregation sing 

THE GLORIA PATRI. 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to 
the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, 
is now, and ever shall be. Amen. 

Or this 
THE GLORIA IN EXCELSIS. 

Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace, 
good- will toward men. We praise thee, we 
bless thee, we worship thee, we glorify 
thee, we give thanks to thee for thy great 
glory. O Lord God, heavenly King, God 
the Father Almighty. 

O Lord, the only begotten Son, Jesus Christ; 

1 National Council, Statement of Faith, 1913. 

i6 



An Order for Morning Service 

O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the 
Father, that takest away the sins of the 
world, have mercy upon us. Thou that 
takest away the sins of the world, receive 
our prayer. Thou that sittest at the right 
hand of God the Father, have mercy upon 
us. 
For thou only art holy, thou only art the Lord. 
Thou only, O Christ, with the Holy Ghost, 
art most high in the glory of God the 
Father. Amen. 

If Then let the congregation be seated. 

If Then let the minister read 

THE FIRST SCRIPTURE LESSON. 

*f^ After this Scripture Lesson, let the choir, or choir and 
congregation, when convenient, sing 

AN ANTHEM. 

\ This may follow the General Prayer if desired. 

Tf Then may the minister read 

*THE SECOND SCRIPTURE LESSON. 

If This Scripture lesson may he followed hy 

* A BRIEF CHOIR OR ORGAN RESPONSE. 

Tf Then while the congregation is seated, with bowed heads, 
let the minister lead them in 

THE GENERAL PRAYER. 

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, the strength 
of the weak, the rest of the weary, the com- 
fort of the sorrowful, and the saviour of the 
sinful, hear us thy penitent children, as we 
pray for thy help in our weakness and need . 
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive 

17 



Book of Church Services 

ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we 
confess our sins, thou art faithful and just to 
forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all 
unrighteousness. Hear us, O God, as to- 
gether we acknowledge our transgressions. 

Tf Here let all the congregation unite zvith the minister in 
THE CONFESSION. 

Almighty and most merciful Father, we have 
erred and strayed from thy ways like lost 
sheep. We have followed too much the de- 
vices and desires of our own hearts. We have 
offended against thy holy laws. We have 
left undone those things which we ought to 
have done, and we have done those things 
which we ought not to have done. But thou, 
O Lord, have mercy upon us. Spare thou 
those who are penitent, according to thy 
promises declared unto mankind in Jesus 
Christ our Lord. And grant, O most 
merciful Father, for his sake, that we may 
hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober 
life, to the glory of thy holy name. Amen} 

Or this 

Most holy and merciful Father, we thy wayward 
children do make humble confession of our 
shortcomings and our sin. All we like 
sheep have gone astray and have turned 
every one to his own way. We have lived 
too much to ourselves and not unto thee. 
We have not loved our brother as we ought, 
nor faithfully followed our Master in un- 
selfish service. But wilt thou pardon all 
our offenses. Create within us a clean 



1 Common Prayer. 

i8 






An Order for Morning Service 

heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within 
us. May we go on our way with gladness 
assured of thy compassion; and forgetting 
the things which are behind, may we reach 
forth unto those things which are before; 
pressing toward the mark of our high calUng 
in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen. 

If Then shall the minister say 

O God, giver of all good, and fountain of all 
mercies, in whom are the springs of our 
life, all glory, thanks and praise be unto thee 
for thine unfailing goodness. Hear us, 
we pray, as we lift up together our thanks- 
giving. 

1[ Here let all the congregation unite with the minister in 

THE THANKSGIVING. 

Amighty God, Father of all mercies, we thine 
unworthy servants do give thee most hum- 
ble and hearty thanks for all thy goodness, 
and loving-kindness to us, and to all men. 
We bless thee for our creation, preservation, 
and all the blessings of this life, but above 
all for thine inestimable love in the redemp- 
tion of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ ; 
for the means of grace and for the hope of 
glory. And, we beseech thee, give us that 
due sense of all thy mercies that our hearts 
may be unfeignedly thankful, and that we 
show forth thy praise, not only with our 
lips, but in our lives, by giving up ourselves 
to thy service, and by walking before thee 
in holiness and righteousness all our days; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom 

19 



Book of Church Services 

with thee and the Holy Spirit be all honor 
and glory, world without end. Amen} 

1[ TheJi may folloiv a Pastoral Prayer by the minister, in 
which Adoratio7i, Supplication and Intercession may 
he offered, remembering the special needs of the people, 
tJie country, and the -world. 

A BRIEF ORGAN RESPONSE, in simple chords, may 
folloiv the prayer. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS, if there are any to be made. 

THE OFFERTORY. 

^ The minister may say, Let us worship God with our offer- 
ing for his service. 

1i The mifiister may repeat one or more of these or other ap- 
propriate passages of Scripture. 

All things whatsoever ye would that men should 
do unto you, even so do ye also unto them, 
for this is the law and the prophets. 

He that soweth sparingly shall reap also spar- 
ingly, and he that soweth bountifully shall 
reap also bountifully. 

Let each man do according as he hath pur- 
posed in his heart, not grudgingly or of 
necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver. 

Cast thy bread upon the waters, for thou shalt 
find it after many days. 

But to do good and to communicate forget not, 
for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. 

Even so let your light shine before men, that 
they may see your good works and glorify 
your Father which is in heaven. 

If While the offering is being gathered the choir may sing an 
appropriate selection. When the offering is presented 
the minister may receive it with a brief prayer, in his own 
words, or using one of the followi?ig, the officers who have 

1 Common Prayer. 

20 



An Order for Morning Service 

gathered it standing, and the congregation sitting with 
bowed heads. 

THE PRAYER OF DEDICATION. 

O God, most merciful and gracious, of whose 
bounty we have all received, we beseech 
thee to accept this offering of thy people. 
Remember in thy love those who brought 
it, and those for whom it is given, and so 
follow it with thy blessing that it may 
promote peace and good-will among men, 
and advance the kingdom of our Lord and 
Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 

Or this 

Heavenly Giver, freely we have received, help us 
freely to give ; may the spirit of love hallow 
all our gifts and make them fruitful in 
extending the reign of truth and love in 
human hearts and lives. Amen. 

Or this 

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, prosper 
every good work undertaken by thy church 
according to thy will, and give unto all of 
us thy servants the spirit of Him who came 
not to be ministered unto but to minister, 
and whose joy it was to do thy will in help- 
ing men. Amen. 

If Then let the congregation stand and all sing 
A HYMN. 
THE SERMON. 

^ After the sermon let the congregation stand and all sing 
A HYMN. 

T[ This may be a recessional, if desired. 

21 



Book of ChurcJi Services 

1[ Then let the co7igregation he seated, with bowed heads, while 
the minister leads them in 

THE CLOSING PRAYER. 

^ The minister may use his own form of words or one of the 
following: 

O Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and 
everlasting God, who hast safely brought 
us to the beginning of this day; defend us 
in the same by thy mighty power, and grant 
that this day we fall into no sin, neither run 
into any kind of danger, but that all our 
doings may be ordered by thy governance, 
to do always what is righteous in thy sight, 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.^ 

Or this 

Grant, we beseech thee. Almighty God, that the 
words which we have heard this day with 
our outward ears, may, through thy grace, 
be so grafted inwardly in our hearts that 
they may bring forth in us the fruit of good 
living, to the honor and praise of thy name, 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.^ 

Or this 

Almighty God, who hast given us grace at this 
time with one accord to make our common 
supplications unto thee, and dost promise 
that when two or three are gathered together 
in thy name, thou wilt grant their requests; 
fulfil now, O Lord, the desires and petitions 
of thy servants as may be most expedient 
for them, granting us in this world knowl- 

^ Gelasian Sacramentary, A. D. 494. 
2 Scotch Book of Common Order. 

22 



An Order for Morning Service 

edge of thy truth, and in the world to come 
life everlasting. Amen.^ 

THE BENEDICTION. 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love 
of God, and the communion of the Holy 
Spirit, be with you all. Amen, 

Or this 

The peace of God which passeth all understand- 
ing, keep your hearts and minds in the 
knowledge and love of God, and of his Son, 
Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of 
God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the 
Holy Spirit, be amongst you and remain 
with you always. Amen. 

Or this 

Now unto Him who is able to keep you from 
falling, and to present you faultless before 
the presence of His glory with exceeding 
joy; to the only wise God our Saviour be 
glory and majesty, dominion and power, 
both now and ever. Amen. 

1[ The choir may, if it he desired, chant the " Amen." 

T[ The Congregation should remain kneeling or with bowed 
heads, for a moment of silent prayer^ after the service is 
concluded, 

THE ORGAN POSTLUDE. 

1 A Prayer of St. Chrysostom. 



2Z 



AN ORDER FOR A VESPER SERVICE 

I 

ORGAN PRELUDE. 

1[ Let the congregation stand and sing the 
PROCESSIONAL OR INTRODUCTORY HYMN. 

^ One of the following may be used, if desired: 

" Abide with me, fast falls the eventide." 
** The radiant morn hath passed away." 
** The day is gently sinking to a close." 

% Then let the minister read one or 7nore of the follo-mng 
sentences, or others at his discretio?i. 

Thoughts of peace, saith the Lord, do I think 
toward you: ye shall go and pray unto me, 
and I will hearken to you: ye shall seek 
me, and find me when ye shall search for 
me with your whole heart. 

Let my prayer be set forth in thy sight as 
incense; and let the lifting up of my hands 
be an evening sacrifice. 

O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt 
his name together; for with him is the 
fountain of life, and in his light shall we 
see light. 

The day goeth away, and the shadows of 
evening are stretched out; and it shall come 
to pass that at evening time there shall be 
light. 

The hour cometh, and now is, when the true 
worshipers shall worship the Father in 
spirit and in truth; for the Father seeketh 
such to worship him. God is a spirit, and 

^4 



An Order for a Vesper Service 



they that worship him, must worship him 
in spirit and in truth. 

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a 
broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou 
wilt not despise. 

Let the words of my mouth and the medita- 
tion of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, 
O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. 

Thus saith the high and lofty One that inhab- 
iteth eternity, whose name is Holy: I 
dwell in the high and holy place, with him 
also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, 
to revive the spirit of the humble, and to 
revive the heart of the contrite. 



1[ Then let the minister and people use the following responses. 

Minister. 
People. 



Lift up your hearts. 

We lift them up unto the Lord. 

Minister. Let us give thanks unto our Lord 
God. 

People. It is meet and right so to do. 

Minister. It is very meet, right, and our 
bounden duty, that we should at 
all times, and In all places, give 
thanks unto thee, O Lord, Holy 
Father, Almighty, Everlasting 
God. 
Therefore, with angels and archan- 
gels, and with all the company of 
heaven, we laud and magnify thy 
glorious name; evermore praising 
thee, and saying, 

People. Holyj holy, holy, Lord God of hosts ; 
heaven and earth are full of thy 
glory. Glory be to thee, O Lord, 
Most High. Amen. 

25 



Book of Church Services 

7 Then let the minister say: 

Dearly beloved brethren, the heavenly Father 
is always more ready to hear than we to 
pray: nor does anything hide him from us 
but the veil of our impure and earthly 
mind. And since the preparation of even 
the willing heart is not without him, let us 
inwardly pray for the grace of a humble and 
holy spirit : that for a little while we may 
be alone with him; and, as his beloved Son 
went up into the mountain to pray, so we 
may rise above the haste and press of life, 
and commune with him in spirit and in truth. 

Tf Then let the minister lead the people in prayer, using the 
following, or some other prayer^ as seemeth fit: 

O God, who art, and wast, and art to come, be- 
fore whose face the generations rise and pass 
away; age after age the living seek thee, and 
find that of thy faithfulness there is no end. 
Our fathers in their pilgrimage walked by 
thy guidance, and rested on thy compassion : 
still to their children be thou the cloud by 
day, the fire by night. Where but in thee 
have we a covert from the storm, or shadow 
from the heat of life? In our manifold 
temptations, thou alone knowest and art 
ever nigh: in sorrow, thy pity revives the 
fainting soul: in our prosperity and ease 
it is thy Spirit only that can wean us from 
our pride and keep us low. O thou sole 
source of peace and righteousness! take now 
the veil from every heart; and join us in 
one communion with thy prophets and saints, 
who have trusted in thee, and were not 
ashamed. Not of our worthiness, but cf thy 

26 



An Order for a Vesper Service 

tender mercy hear our prayer, through Jesus 
Christ, our Lord. Amen,^ 

If Then let the Lord's Prayer he said by the people with the 
minister. 

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be 
thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will 
be done in earth as it is in heaven. Give 
us this day our daily bread. And forgive 
us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 
And lead us not into temptation, but delivei' 
us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and 
the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen, 

1[ Then let all the people sing 

A CONGREGATIONAL HYMN. 

If One of the following may be usedy if desired: 

" Softly now the light of day." 

" Again as evening's shadow falls." 

" The day thou gavest, Lord, is ended." 

If After the hymn let the minister and people read, alter- 
nately, the 

RESPONSIVE READING. 

Tf Then let all the people sing the 

GLORIA PATRI. 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to 
the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, 
is now, and ever shall be, world without 
end. Amen, 

^ Then may the minister read the 
SCRIPTURE LESSON 
Tf After that may be sung the 
ANTHEM. 
1 James Marti neau. 

27 



Book of Church Services 



^ Then may he read the 

* SECOND SCRIPTURE LESSON 

^ After that may he sung the 

* SECOND ANTHEM 

or 
A RESPONSE BY CHOIR OR ORGAN 

If Then may follow the 

EVENING PRAYER 



The Lord be with you. 

And with thy spirit. 
Let us pray. 
O Lord, show thy mercy upon us : 

And grant us thy salvation. 
O Lord, save the State. 

And mercifully hear us when we 
call upon thee. 
Save thy people, O Lord, and bless 

thine inheritance: 

Govern them and lift them up for- 
ever. 
Give peace in our time, O Lord: 

For it is thou, Lord, only, that mak- 
est us dwell in safety. 
O God, make clean our hearts within 

us. 

And take not thy Holy Spirit from 
us: 
O Lamb of God, that takes t away the 

sin of the world . 

Grant us thy peace. Amen. 



Minister. 

People. 

Minister. 

People. 

Minister. 

People. 

Minister. 

People. 

Minister. 
People. 

Minister. 

People. 

Minister. 

People. 

% Then may follow further prayer, at the discretion of the 
minister. And let all employ this season in making 
their requests known to Almighty God. 

* Optional, and may he omitted at the discretion of the 
minister. 

28 



An Order for a Vesper Service 

If Then may follow 

THE OFFERTORY. 

1[ After the offertory let all sing 

A CONGREGATIONAL HYMN. 

^ Here may follow 

THE SERMON. 

1[ rhen may he sung hy the choir or congregation the 

EVENING HYMN OF DEVOTION. 

If One of the following may he used^ if desired: 

" Sun of my soul, thou Saviour dear." 

** Lead, kindly light, amid th' encircling gloom." 

" The day is past and gone." 

** Now the day is over." 

If After a few moments of silent prayer, let the minister con- 
clude the Vesper Service with 

PRAYER AND BENEDICTION. 

A Prayer of St. Chrysostom 

Almighty God, who hast given us grace, at this 
time, with one accord, to make our common 
suppHcations unto thee; and dost promise 
that when two or three are gathered to- 
gether in thy name thou wilt grant their 
requests; fulfil now, O Lord, the desires 
and petitions of thy servants, as may 
be most expedient for them; granting us 
in this world knowledge of thy truth, and 
in the world to come life everlasting. 
Amen. 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love 
of God, and the fellowship of the Holy 
Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen. 

ORGAN POSTLUDE. 



29 



AN ORDER FOR A VESPER 
(OR EVENING) SERVICE 

II 

THE PERSONAL PR^WER. 

^ On entering the church, the luorshiper liith housed head 
7nay say: 

O God, may I so submit myself to thy wise and 
loving direction that in this hour of worship 
I shall miss no good thou hast ready for 
my soul. May I devoutly listen to thy 
message of grace and utter my need to thy 
listening ear. Guide me to a better life 
and thus bring me at last to my eternal 
home. 

THE ORGAN PRELUDE. 

^ Let the 7ninister and congregation rise as the choir enters 
and all join in the 

INTRODUCTORY HYMN. 

% This may he a Processional Hymn if desired. 

% One of the follovj-ing may be used, if desired: 

" Day is dying in the West." 

" The sun is sinking fast." 

" The shadows of the evening hours." 

Tf Then let the mi?iister give 
THE CALL TO WORSHIP 

Minister, Thoughts of peace, saith the Lord, 
dc I think toward you : ye shall go and pray 
unto me and I will hearken unto you; ye 
shall seek me and find me when ye shall 
search for me with your whole heart. 

30 



An Order for a Vesper or Evening Service 

The hour cometh and now is when the true 
worshipers shall worship the Father in 
Spirit and in Truth, for such doth the Father 
seek to be His worshipers. 

People. God is a Spirit, and they that worship 
Him must worship Him in Spirit and in 
Truth. 

If Then let the people^ still standing, read responsively with 
the minister 

THE CONFESSION OF DEPENDENCE: 

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, 
from whence cometh my help. 
My help cometh from the Lord, 
who made heaven and earth. 
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved : 
he that keepeth thee will not slumber. 
Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall 
neither slumber nor sleep. 
The Lord is thy keeper : the Lord is thy 
shade upon thy right hand. 
The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor 
the moon by night. 
The Lord shall preserve thee from all 
evil: he shall preserve thy soul. 
The Lord shall preserve thy going out 
and thy coming in from this time forth, and 
even for evermore. 

Tf Then may follow 

THE HYMN OF INVOCATION. 

T[ One of the following may he used, if desired: 

** Sun of my soul, thou Saviour dear." 

" Holy Spirit, Truth Divine." 

** Now God be with us, for the night is closing." 

31 



Book of Church Services 

If Then let the people he seated with bowed heads and join 
responsively with the minister in 

THE CONFESSION OF SIN: 

Have mercy on me, O God, 

According to thy loving kindness. 
According to the multitude of thy tender mercies, 

Blot out my transgressions. 
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, 

And cleanse me from my sin. 
For I acknowledge my transgressions, 

And my sin is ever before me. 
Against thee, thee only, have I sinned. 

And done that which was evil in thy sight. 
Create in me a clean heart, O God, 

And renew a right spirit within me. 
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; 

A broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou 
wilt not despise. 

^ Then let the minister give 

THE ASSURANCE OF PARDON: 

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the un- 
righteous man his thoughts; and let him 
return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy 
upon him; and to our God, for he will 
abundantly pardon. 

1[ Then let the people rise and join with the minister in 

THE CONFESSION OF THE LAW: 

Minister. The law of the Lord is perfect, re- 
storing the soul ; the testimony of the Lord 
is sure, making wise the simple; the pre- 
cepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the 
heart; the commandment of the Lord is 
pure, enlightening the eyes. 

32 



An Order for a Vesper or Evening Service 

If The minister and the congregation in unison: 

I. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 
II. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven 
image. 

III. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord, 

thy God, in vain. 

IV. Remember the sabbath day to keep it 

holy. 
V. Honor thy father and thy mother. 
VI. Thou shalt not kill. 
VII. Thou shalt not commit adultery. 
VIII. Thou shalt not steal. 

IX. Thou shalt not bear false witness against 

thy neighbor. 

X. Thou shalt not covet. 

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy 
heart, and with all thy soul, and with all 
thy mind; this is the first and great com- 
mandment. 

And the second is like unto it; thou shalt love 
thy neighbor as thyself. 

Minister, He hath showed thee, O man, what 
is good ; and what doth the Lord require of 
thee but to do justly, and to love mercy, 
and to walk humbly with thy God. 

1[ Then let the minister and congregation unite in 

THE CONFESSION OF FAITH. 

Minister. Lord, increase our faith. 

If The Minister and the Congregation in unison: 

I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of 
heaven and earth; 

And in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord, who 
was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born 
of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius 
Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the 

33 



Book of Church Services 

third day He rose again from the dead; 
He ascended into Heaven, and sitteth on 
the right hand of God the Father Almighty; 
from thence He shall come to judge the 
quick and the dead. 
I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Holy Catholic 
Church, the communion of saints, the for- 
giveness of sins, the resurrection of the 
dead, and the life everlasting. Amen, 

^ Then let the congregation he seated. 

% Then let the minister say: 

Whoso offereth the sacrifice of thanksgiving 
glorifieth me. O Lord, open thou my lips 
and my mouth shall show forth thy praise. 

1 Then shall follow 

THE ANTHEM OF PRAISE 

\ By the choir or a hymn of praise hy all. Appropriate 
hymns are: 

** O come, O come, Emmanuel! " 
** Crown Him with many crowns." 
** Fairest Lord Jesus." 
** Rejoice, rejoice, believers." 

1[ Then let the minister offer 

THE VESPER PRAYERS. 

1[ Then shall follow 

THE OFFERTORY. 

^ Here may he sung if desired 

THE OFFERTORY ANTHEM. 

1[ Then shall follow 

THE SCRIPTURE AND THE SERMON, 

If Then let the minister give 

THE DECLARATION OF PEACE. 

34 



An Order for a Vesper or Evening Service 

Beloved, now are we the sons of God; and it 
doth not yet appear what we shall be; 
but we know that when he shall appear we 
shall be like him, for we shall see him as he 
is; and every man that hath this hope in 
him purifieth himself, even as He is pure. 
The Lord hath been mindful of us ; he will 
bless us. 

1[ Then let the people rise, and all join in 

THE CLOSING HYMN. 

1[ One of the following may he used^ if desired: 

" Saviour, again to thy dear name we raise/* 
" Lead us, O Father, in the paths of peace." 
" Immortal Love, forever full.'* 
" O mother dear, Jerusalem." 

1[ Then let the congregation he seated^ with howed heads, while 
the minister gives 

THE ASCRIPTION. 

Now unto the blessed and only Potentate, the 
King of kings, and Lord of lords; who 
only hath immortality; dwelling in the 
light which no man can approach unto; 
whom no man hath seen or can see ; unto him 
be. honor and power everlasting. Amen, 

^ Then shall follow 
THE BENEDICTION. 

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord 
make his face to shine upon you and be 
gracious unto you. The Lord lift up his 
countenance upon you and give you peace. 
Amen. 

If Then let the. people tarry for a moment of silent prayer. 
^ Then may follow the 
ORGAN POSTLUDE. 

35 



A CHOR.\L \TSPER SERVICE 

THE PRELUDE OF ORGAN MUSIC. 
THE CALL TO \\"ORSHIP. 

From the rising of the sun unto the going down 
of the same the Lord's name is to be 
praised. 

The hour cometh, and now is, when the true 
worshipers shall worship the Father in 
spirit and in truth : for such doth the Father 
seek to be his worshipers. 

The day declineth, for the shadows of the even- 
ing are stretched out; but it shall come to 
pass that at evening time there shall be light. 
With thee is the fountain of life; in thy 
'i^hr sh?.'! we see light. 



-regaiion sic ^.4 c*. 



H\MX 



Sun of my soul, thoi: ^ . r. 

It is not night if xhoi 
O may no earth-bom : : i _ 
To hide thee from thy izr^^::: 

Abide with me from mom till eve. 
For without thee I cannot live: 
Abide with me when night is nigh. 
For without thee I dare not die. 

f Them let the comgregatian he seated wUk homed heads wkHe 
the mmister leads im 

THE IX\'OCATIOX. 

^ He may use his oam words, or if he prefers, the foOmping: 

Father of Light, sun of the soul, when the shad- 
ows of twiUght fall and darkness ends the 



A Choral Vesper Service 

day, our thoughts turn to thee who dwell- 
est where night never comes. If we have lost 
our way in doubt, so that we despair of 
thee, ma} the Hght that lighteth every 
man shine the clearer within us now, and 
in thy light may we see light. If we have 
turned aside to try the ways of darkness and 
death, yet leave us not, but lead us back by 
the kindly lights of home, till in thy flame 
our sins are consumed and in the light of 
thy countenance we rest in peace. As stars 
come out when the sun goes down and voices 
are heard in the silence which were drowned 
in the noise of the day, so let us be silent 
now until thy presence grows more real and 
we find both doubt and desire but heralds 
of thy drawing nigh. Amen, 

% Then let all unite in 
THE LORD'S PRAYER. 

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be 
thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be 
done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this 
day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts 
as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into 
temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine 
is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, 
forever. Amen. 

A VESPER HYMN OF PRAYER. 

% Then let the congregation, still seated, sing in the spirit cj 
prayer: 

Lead, kindly Light, amid th' encircling gloom, 

Lead thou me on ! 
The night is dark, and I am far from home, 

Lead thou me on ! 
Keep thou my feet ! I do not ask to see 
The distant scene — one step enough for me. 

37 



Book of Church Services 

^ Then let the minister and people responsively make 
THE CONFESSION OF SIN. 

Search me, O God, and know my heart; 
Try me and know my thoughts ; 
And see if there be any wicked way in me, 
And lead me in the way everlasting. 

Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance 
upon us. 
Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O 

Lord. 
Lord, hear my voice : 
Let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my 
supplications. 
If thou, Lord, shouldst mark iniquities, 

Lord, who could stand? 

But there is forgiveness with thee 
That thou mayest be feared. 

1 w^ait for the Lord, my soul doth wait. 
And in his word do I hope. 

Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the 

hand of their masters, 
As the eyes of a maid unto the hand of her 

mistress; 
So our eyes look unto the Lord our God, 
Until he have mercy upon us. 

Choir. — Let the wicked forsake his way, and the un- 
righteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto the 
Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, 
for he will abundantly pardon. 

THE ASSURANCE OF FAITH. 

% Then let the congregation stand until after the Gloria Patri, 
and join in the unison recital. 

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: 
he leadeth me beside the still waters. 

38 



A Choral Vesper Service 

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the 
paths of righteousness for his name's sake 

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the 
shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for 
thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, 
they comfort me. 

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence 
of mine enemies: thou anointest my head 
with oil; my cup runneth over. 

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all 
the days of my life; and I will dwell in the 
house of the Lord forever. 

THE EXPRESSION OF GRATITUDE. 

O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; 
For his loving kindness endureth forever. 

T[ The Congregation uniting in the prayer 

Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we, thine 
unworthy servants, do give thee most 
humble and hearty thanks for all thy good- 
ness and loving kindness to us, and to all 
men. We bless thee for our creation, 
preservation, and all the blessings of this 
life; but above all, for thine inestimable 
love in the redemption of the world by our 
Lord Jesus Christ, for the means of grace, 
and for the hope of glory. And, we beseech 
thee, give us that due sense of all thy 
mercies, that our hearts may be unfeignedly 
thankful; that we show forth thy praise, 
not only with our lips, but in our lives; 
by giving up ourselves to thy service, and 
by walking before thee in holiness and 
righteousness all our days; through Jesus 
Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the 

39 



Book of Church Services 

Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, world 
without end. Ayyien. 

GLORIA PATRI. 

*" Then let the coyigregation he seated. 
THE TRIBUTE OF PRAISE. 

Whoso offereth the sacrifice of thanksgiving 
glorifieth me. O Lord, open thou my lips 
and my mouth shall show forth thy praise. 

•y Then niay he used one or more of the foil outing: 

CHORUS. 

SCRIPTURE SENTENCES. 

SOLO, QUARTET, OR CHORUS. 

THE VESPER PROWERS — The Minister and the Choir. 

THE OFFERTORY — Solo, Quartet, or Chorus. 

THE RECEPTION OF THE OFFERING — {The con- 
gregation standing.) 

^ Let the choir and congregation stand and sing 

All things come of thee, O Lord, and of thine own have we 
given thee. Amen. 

HYMN. 

7 One of the following may he used if desired: 

" Master, no offering." 

*' Lord, Thou hast taught our hearts to glow." 

'* Souls of men, why will ye scatter." 

•" Theyi may foil oiv 

THE SCRIPTURE LESSON AND ADDRESS. 

^ Then let the people stond and sing the 

CLOSING HYMN. 

^ One of the foil owing may he used if desired: 

" Now the day is over." 

" The sun is sinking fast." 

*' God that madest earth and heaven." 

40 



^ 



A Choral Vesper Service 

^ Then let the congregation he seated with bowed heads, 

PRAYER AND BENEDICTION — The Minister and 
the Choir. 

Almighty God, who hast given us grace at this 
time with one accord to make our common 
suppHcations unto thee; and dost promise 
that when two or three are gathered to- 
gether in thy name thou wilt grant their 
requests; fulfil now, O Lord, the desires 
and petitions of thy servants, as may be 
most expedient for them ; granting us in this 
world knowledge of thy truth, and in the 
world to come life everlasting. 

Choir — Amen, 

Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee, O Lord; 
and by thy great mercy defend us from all 
perils and dangers of this night; for the 
love of thy only Son, our Saviour, Jesus 
Christ. 

Choir — Amen, 

The peace of God which passeth all under- 
standing, keep your hearts and minds in 
the knowledge and love of God, and of his 
Son, Jesus Christ our Lord ; and the blessing 
of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and 
the Holy Spirit, be amongst you and remain 
with you always. 

Choir —r The Sevenfold Amen, 

THE ORGAN POSTLUDE. 



41 



AN ORDER FOR AN EVENING 
SERVICE 



THE ORGAN PRELUDE 

^ The congregation shall rise and join responsively with the 
minister in 

THE CALL TO WORSHIP. 

Minister. He that dwelleth in the secret place 
of the Most High 
Shall abide under the shadow of the 
Almighty. 
People. Abide with us, O Lord, for it is 

evening. 
And the day is far spent. 
Minister. Let my prayer be set forth before 
thee as incense, 
And the lifting up of my hands as the 
evening sacrifice. 
People. O come, let us worship and bow 

down. 
Let us kneel before the Lord, our 
Maker. 

•y Then let the congregation he seated, with bowed heads, while 
the minister, in his own words, or, if he prefers, using 
one of the following prayers, leads them in 

THE LWOCATIOX. 

Almighty God, Lord of Peace and Giver of 
Rest; grant unto us at eventide as well as 
at noonday the light of thy countenance, 
that we may see thy truth and our duty 
and so behold thy glory, that we may grow 
into thy likeness. May we feel thee to be 

42 



An Order for an Evening Service 

near, and know thee to be good, and that 
thy mercy is from everlasting to ever- 
lasting. Lifting our hearts together, may 
we find thee in our seeking, and with thee 
all that is best and most abiding. Amen} 

Or this 

Our Father who art in heaven, in the quiet of 
this evening hour we have crossed the 
threshold of eternal things to worship thee 
who seest in secret. And since the prep- 
arations of even the willing heart are 
not without thee, we pray for the grace of 
a humble and holy spirit; that for a little 
while we may be alone with thee, and as 
thy well-beloved Son went up into the 
mountains to pray, so we may rise above 
the haste and press of life, and commune 
with thee in spirit and in truth. Amen,'^ 

Or this 

Lord of the evening hour, who hast often met 
with us at close of day, be our refuge now 
from the noise of the world and the care of 
our own spirits. Grant us thy peace. 
Let not the darkness of our ignorance and 
folly, of our sorrow and sin, hide thee from 
us. Speak to each of us the word that we 
need, and let thy word abide with us until 
it has wrought thy holy will. Quicken 
and refresh our hearts, renew and increase 
our strength, so that we may grow into the 
likeness of thy faithful children, and by our 
worship at this time be enabled better to 

1 John Hunter. 

2 Charles A. Dinsmore. 

43 



Book of Church Services 

serve thee in our daily life, in the spirit of 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Aynen} 

•[ Then let the congregation stand and sing the 

HYMN OF INVOCATION. 

% One of the foil o^tving may be used, if desired: 

** Spirit of God, descend upon my heart." 
*' O God, the Rock of Ages." 
" In the hour of trial." 

•; Then let the minister read 

THE SCRIPTURE LESSON. 

Y Then may foil ou' 

THE ANTHEM. 

*" Then let the minister lead the people in 

THE PR-\YER, usiyig the foUoiinng prayer, or some other 
prayer at his discretion. 

We beseech thee, Lord, to behold us with favor, 
folk of many families and nations, gathered 
together in the peace of this roof, weak 
men and women subsisting under the covert 
of thy patience. Be patient still; suffer 
us yet a while longer — with our broken 
purposes of good, with our idle endeavors 
against evil, suffer us a while longer to 
endure, and if it may be, help us to 
do better. Bless to us our extraordinary 
mercies; if the day come when these must 
be taken, brace us to play the man under 
affliction. Be with our friends, be with 
ourselves. Go with each of us to rest; if 
any awake, temper to them the dark hours 
of watching; and when the day returns, 
return to us, our Sun and comforter, and 
call us up with morning faces and with 

1 Oscar E. Maurer. 

44 




An Order for an Evening Service 

morning hearts — eager to labor — eager 
to be happy if happiness shall be our por- 
tion — and if the day be marked for sorrow, 
strong to endure it. Amen} 

^ After the prayer there may he a 

CHOIR RESPONSE. 

T[ Then shall follow 

THE OFFERTORY. 

^ An offertory anthem may he sung, if desired, 

^ Then let all the people sing 

THE HYMN OF ASPIRATION. 

^ One of the following may he used, if desired: 

** Dear Lord and Father of mankind." 
" O Love that wilt not let me go." 
" The King of love my shepherd is." 

^ Then shall follow 

THE SERMON 

1[ After the sermon let all the people sing 

A HYMN OF CONSECRATION. 

T[ One of the following may he used, if desired: 

** O Jesus, I have promised." 

" Love divine, all love excelling." 

" Saviour, thy dying love." 

If Then let the minister lead the people in 

THE CLOSING PRAYER. 

Sustain us through all the day long of this 
mortal life, until the shadows lengthen, and 
the evening comes, and the busy world is 
hushed, and life's fever is over, and our 
work is done. Then, O Lord, grant us a 

1 R. L. Stevenson. 

45 



Book of Church Services 

safe lodging, a holy rest, and peace at last 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee, O Lord; 
and by thy great mercy defend us from all 
perils and dangers of this night ; for the love 
of thy only Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. 
Amen, 

Tf Then shall follow 
THE BENEDICTION. 

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord 
make his face to shine upon you and be 
gracious unto you. The Lord lift up his 
countenance upon you and give you peace. 
Amen, 

ORGAN POSTLUDE. . 



46 



A SERVICE FOR THE ORGANIZATION 
OR RECOGNITION OF A CHURCH 

^ When a new church has been duly organized by the adop- 
tion of a Creedj Covenant and By-Laws^ the members 
uniting by letters from other churches or on confession of 
their faith, and when officers have been duly elected, a 
Council may be called to review their proceedings, assist 
in completing the organization, and by formal recogni- 
tion welcome it into the fellowship of the sister churches. 
When the Council has given its approval, a public service 
of recognition may be held, and the following order 
observed: * 

ORGAN PRELUDE. 

INTRODUCTORY OR PROCESSIONAL HYMN. 

1[ One of the following may be used if desired: 

** Glorious things of thee are spoken." 
** The Church's one foundation." 
** I love thy kingdom, Lord." 
" Crown Him with many crowns." 

% Then may there be 

THE READING OF SCRIPTURE. 

Ye are no more strangers and sojourners, but 
ye are fellow citizens with the saints, and 
of the household of God, being built upon 
the foundation of the apostles and prophets, 
Christ Jesus himself being the chief corner- 
stone, in whom each several building, fitly 
framed together, groweth into a holy tem- 
ple in the Lord ; in whom ye are builded 
together for a habitation of God in the 
Spirit. 

He gave Christ to be head over all things to the 
church, which is his body, the fullness of 
him that filleth all in all. 

47 



Book of Church Serz'ices 

Christ also loved the church and gave himself 
for it; that he might sanctify it, having 
cleansed it with the washing of water 
with the word, that he might present it 
to himself a glorious church, not having 
spot or wTinkle or any such thing, but that 
it should be holy and without blemish. 
It is the church of the living God, the pillar 
and ground of the truth: and through the 
church is made known the manifold wisdom 
of God. 

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding 
abundantly above all that we ask or think, 
according to the power that worketh in us, 
unto him be the glory in the church and in 
Christ Jesus throughout all generations 
forever and ever. Amen. 

*' Then may follozv 

THE LWOCATIOX. 

•" The minister may use his own words, or, if he wishes, the 
following: 

Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, who hast established the church 
for the ministry of reconciliation, that it 
may so proclaim and illustrate the gospel 
that men may be won to love and trust 
thee, pour out thy blessing upon this young 
church which we receive into our fellow- 
ship. May the great Head of the Church 
illumine it with his truth and energize it 
with his spirit. Defend it from error and 
strife, and clothe its officers and members 
with the grace of Christ. May it work 
with glad accord with all other churches 
for the salvation of men and the redemption 

48 



Organisation or Recognition of a Church 

of the world; through Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Amen. 

^ Then may follow, by the Scribe of the Council, the 

READING OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUN- 
CIL. 

T Then shall the Moderator {and all the people if convenient) 
repeat the 

DECLARATION OF THE COMMON FAITH. 

We beUeve in God the Father, infinite in wisdom, 
goodness and love ; 

And in Jesus Christ, his Son, our Lord and 
Saviour, who for us and our salvation lived 
and died and rose again and liveth ever- 
more ; 

And in the Holy Spirit, who taketh of the 
things of Christ and revealeth them to 
us, renewing, comforting and inspiring the 
souls of men. 

We are united in striving to know the will of 
God as taught in the Holy Scriptures, and 
in our purpose to walk in the ways of the 
Lord, made known or to be made known 
to us. 

We hold it to be the mission of the Church of 
Christ to proclaim the gospel to all man- 
kind, exalting the worship of the one true 
God, and laboring for the progress of 
knowledge, the promotion of justice, the 
reign of peace, and the realization of human 
brotherhood. 

Depending, as did our fathers, upon the con- 
tinual guidance of the Holy Spirit to lead 
us into all truth, we work and pray for the 
transformation of the world into the king- 
dom of God; and we look with faith for 

49 



Book of Church Services 

the triumph of righteousness, and the life 
everlasting. Amen.'^ 

^ Then may the Moderator receive those who have not pre- 
viously been church members on 

CONFESSION OF FAITH. 

T[ See *^ Order for Reception of Members.'' 

H He shall baptize such as have not before been baptized. 

If Then may the Moderator ask those who unite with the new 
church by letter to give their assent to the 

CHURCH COVENANT. 

If See ** Order for Reception of Members.'' 

If Then may the Moderator declare the church duly con- 
stituted, and he may give to it the 

ADDRESS OF WELCOME. 

If Then may the Moderator, or another minister, lead the 
people in 

PRAYER, closing with 

THE LORD'S PRAYER {all uniting). 

If Then may all join in singing a 

HYMN. 

If One of the following may be used, if desired: 

" Blest be the tie that binds." 
" One holy church of God appears." 
** Let saints on earth in concert sing." 
** Saviour, thy dying love." 

If Then may be given the 

SERMON OR ADDRESS. 

If After the sermon may be observed 

THE COMMUNION. 

^ Part of the " Communioji Service " may be used. 

' Adopted by the National Council of Congregational Churches, 
October 25, 1913. 

50 



Organisation or Recognition of a Church 

% After the Communion may he sung the 

CLOSING HYMN. 

1[ One of the following may he used, if desired: 

" My faith looks up to thee." 

** Beneath the cross of Jesus." 

** For all the saints who from their labors rest." 

** All hail the power of Jesus' name." 

\ Then, while the people are seated with bowed heads, may 
follow the 

PRAYER and 

BENEDICTION. 

The peace of God, which passe th all under- 
standing, keep your hearts and minds in 
the knowledge and love of God and of 
his Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord; and the 
blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the 
Son, and the Holy Spirit, be amongst you, 
and remain with you always. Amen. 

ORGAN POSTLUDE 



SI 



AN ORDER FOR THE LAYING OF THE 

CORNER-STONE OF A CHURCH 

BUILDING 

If The people being assembled at the place where the church 
is to be built, let all join in the 

OPENING HYMN. 

TI One of the following may be used, if desired: 

** Come, thou Almighty King." 

** O worship the King all glorious above." 

** All hail the power of Jesus' name." 

T[ Then let the minister read the following Scripture sen- 
tences: 

Except the Lord build the house, they labor in 
vain that build it. 

The Lord hath chosen thee to build a house for 
the sanctuary; be strong and do it. Fear 
not, nor be dismayed; for the Lord God, 
even my God, is with thee. He will not fail 
thee, nor forsake thee, until all the work for 
the service of the house of the Lord be 
finished. 

Therefore, thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I 
lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried 
stone, a precious corner-stone of sure 
foundation. 

According to the grace of God which was given 
unto me, as a wise master builder I laid a 
foundation; and another buildeth thereon. 
But let each man take heed how he buildeth 
thereon. For other foundation can no 
man lay than that which is laid, which is 
Jesus Christ. 

52 



Laying Corner-Stone of a Church 

Ye are fellow citizens with the saints, and of the 
household of God, being built upon the 
foundation of the apostles and prophets, 
Christ Jesus himself being the chief corner- 
stone; in whom each several building, fitly 
framed together, groweth into a holy temple 
in the Lord; in whom ye also are builded 
together for a habitation of God in the 
Spirit. 

Then may the people sing a 

HYMN. 

If One of the following may he usedj if desired, 

** The Church's one Foundation." 

" Christ is our Corner-stone." 

" Founded on Thee, our only Lord." 

1[ Then shall the minister lead the people in 

THE PRAYER. 

Almighty God, maker of heaven and earth, 
who hast put it into the hearts of thy 
people to erect here a temple of worship 
to thee, grant unto us thy blessing at this 
hour, and may this corner-stone, here 
planted in thy name, be the foundation of 
a true home for thy children. 

May the building to be erected here be to us in 
very truth our Father's House; our Chil- 
dren's Home; a Resting Place for the 
stranger on his way; a Temple of prayer 
and praise, of thought and of song; a 
Sanctuary of peace; a place of loving hu- 
man fellowship and noble Christian service. 
May it stand for the perpetuation of our 
faith, for the preservation of the spirit of 
devotion and for the education of the com- 
mon conscience. 

53 



Book of Church Services 

Bless those whose offerings enable us to build 
this house. Graciously guard and direct 
those who labor in erecting it, shielding 
them from accident and peril. Grant to us 
all thy heavenly grace, that we may be 
built up in soul and body into living temples" 
of God, and bring us all into thy glory to 
be pillars in thine eternal temple, through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Aryien, 

% Then shall folloiv the laying of the corner-stone. The box 
containing the documents and articles to be preserved 
having been placed in the cavity prepared for it, the stone 
shall be brought into position, and the minister, assisted 
by the builders, sJmUfit it into Us place, and then striking 
the stone three times u'ith the trowel, he sliall say: 

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and 
of the Holy Spirit, we lay this corner- 
stone of the house to be erected here, to be 
dedicated to the worship of Almighty God, 
to the spread of the gospel of Christ, and 
to the service of humanity. Amen, 

•j Then may be given 

THE ADDRESS OR ADDRESSES. 

Tf After the address, if desired, an offering may be made for 
the Building Fund. 

•i Then may be sung 

THE CLOSING HYMN. 

% One of the folloiving may be used, if desired: 

" I love Thy Kingdom, Lord." 

" How firm a foundation, ye saint? of the Lord." 

" Fling out the banner, let it float.'' 

•^ Then may the sercice be concluded with 

THE BENEDICTION. 

54 



Laying Corner-Stone of a Church 

Now unto him who is able to keep us from 
falUng, and to present us faultless before 
the presence of his glory with exceeding 
joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be 
glory and majesty, dominion and power, 
both now and ever. Amen. 

Or this 

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding 
abundantly above all that we ask or think, 
according to the power that worketh in us, 
unto him be glory in the church by Christ 
Jesus throughout all ages, world without 
end. Amen. 



55 



AN ORDER FOR THE DEDICATION OF 
A CHURCH 

ORGAN PRELUDE. 

PROCESSIONAL OR INTRODUCTORY HYMN. 

T[ The congregation standing, 

If One of the following may he used^ if desired: 

" The Church's one Foundation." 

** Ancient of Days, who sittest throned in glory." 

" God of our Fathers, whose almighty hand." 

THE CALL TO WORSHIP. 

Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Zion, and unto 

thee shall the vow be performed. 
I was glad when they said unto me. Let us go 

into the house of the Lord. 
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into 

his courts with praise. 
For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting, 

and his truth endureth to all generations. 

1[ Then let all the congregation join in singing 

THE HYMN OF PRAISE. 

Tf One of the following may he used if desired: 

" Praise God from whom all blessings flow." 
" Praise the Lord, ye heavens adore him." 
** Our God, our help in ages past." 

Tf Then let the congregation he seated with howed heads while 
the minister, in his own words, or, if he prefers, using the 
following prayer, leads them in 

THE INVOCATION. 

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, whom the 
heaven of heavens cannot contain, much 
less this house which we have built; yet 

56 



Dedication of a Church 

who delightest in the assembUng of thy 
people in the sanctuary, and hast promised 
to bless them there; look with thy loving 
favor upon us this day, and accept as thine 
own this temple of worship which thy 
children would consecrate to thy service. 
Cause thy face to shine upon us here, and 
make this place to all who gather here the 
very house of God and the gate of heaven ; 
through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 

^ Then shall the minister and all the people unite in 
THE LORD'S PRAYER. 

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be 
thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will 
be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give 
us this day our daily bread. And forgive 
us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 
And lead us not into temptation, but de- 
liver us from evil. For thine is the king- 
dom, and the power, and the glory, forever. 
Amen, 

^ Then let the congregation stand and with the minister unite 
in 

THE RESPONSIVE READING (Psalm 24): 

The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof ; 

The world, and they that dwell therein. 
For He hath founded it upon the seas 

And established it upon the floods. 
Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? 

And who shall stand in his holy place? 
He that hath clean hands and a pure heart ; 

Who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, 

And hath not sworn deceitfully. 
He shall receive the blessing from the Lord 

57 



Book of Church Services 

And righteousness from the God of his salvation. 

This is the company of them that seek Him, 

That seek Thy face, O God of Israel. 
Lift up your heads, O ye gates, 
And be ye Hfted up, ye everlasting doors, 

And the King of glory shall come in. 
Who is the King of Glory? 

The Lord strong and mighty. The Lord mighty 
in battle. 
Lift up your heads, O ye gates; 
Yea, lift them up, ye everlasting doors. 

And the King of glory shall come in. 
Who is the King of glory? 

The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory. 

If Then let all the people sing 
THE GLORIA PATRI. 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to 
* the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, 
is now, and ever shall be, world without 
end. Amen, 

^ Then let the congregation, still standing, and led hy the 
minister, unite in the recital of 

THE CREED. 

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of 
heaven and earth. 

And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, 
who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born 
of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius 
Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; the 
third day he rose from the dead; he as- 
cended into heaven and sitteth on the right 
hand of God the Father Almighty; from 
thence he shall come to judge the quick and 
the dead. 

58 



Dedication of a Church 



rl believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic 
Church; the communion of saints; the for- 
giveness of sins; the resurrection of the 



Or this 
THE DECLARATION OF FAITH 



We believe in God the Father, infinite in wisdom, 
goodness and love ; 

And in Jesus Christ, his Son, our Lord and 
Saviour, who for us and our salvation lived 
and died and rose again and liveth ever- 
more ; 

And in the Holy Spirit, who taketh of the 
things of Christ and revealeth them to us, 
renewing, comforting and inspiring the 
souls of men. 

We are united in striving to know the will of 
God as taught in the Holy Scriptures, and 
in our purpose to walk in the ways of the 
Lord, made known or to be made known 
to us. 

We hold it to be the mission of the church of 
Christ to proclaim the gospel to all mankind, 
exalting the worship of the one true God; 
and laboring for the progress of knowledge, 
the promotion of justice, the reign of peace 
and the realization of human brotherhood. 

Depending, as did our fathers, upon the con- 
tinued guidance of the Holy Spirit to lead 
us into all truth, we work and pray for the 
transformation of the world into the King- 
dom of God, and we look with faith for the 
triumph of righteousness and the life ever- 
lasting. Amen, 

59 



Book of Church Services 

^ Then let the congregation he seated, and the choir may sing 
THE ANTHEM. 

T[ The Te Deum Laudamus, Venit^, Cantate, or other suitable 
anthem may be sung. 

*^ Then let the minister read 

THE SCRIPTURE LESSON. 

Appropriate selections are, Psalm 84; 1 Chron. 29 : 11- 
18; 2 Chron. 6 : 18-31, 41, 42; 2 Chron. 5 : 13, 14; 
1 Cor. 3 : 9-17; Eph. 2 : 19-22; Rev. 21 : 1-5, 22-27. 

Tf Then let all the people unite in 

A HYMN OF PRAISE 

•^ One of the follonnng may be used^ if desired: 

" I love thy kingdom, Lord." 

" Thou whose unmeasured temple stands." 

" Crown Him with many crowns." 

** One holy church of God appears." 

*| Then may follow 
THE SERMON. 
If Then may follow 
THE OFFERTORY. 

% Before the people give their thank-offering for the comple- 
tion of the sanctuary, the minister, or one of the officers of 
the church, may present a statement of the cost of the build- 
ing and its equipment. 

II Afte^ the offertory the minister may lead the people in 

THE SERVICE OF DEDICATION. 

Tl The people standing and all joining in the Responses. 

Minister, To the glory of God, our Father, 
by whose favor we have built this 
house ; 
To the honor of Jesus, the Christ, 
the Son of the living God, our 
Lord and Saviour; 

6o 



^i 



Dedication of a Church 



To the praise of the Holy Spirit, 
source of Hght and life; 
People. We dedicate this house. 
Minister. For worship in prayer and song; 
For the ministry of the Word ; 
For the celebration of the Holy 
Sacraments ; 
People. We dedicate this house. 
Minister. For comfort to those who mourn ; 

For strength to those who are 

tempted ; 
For help in right living ; 
People. We dedicate this house. 
Minister. For the sanctification of the family; 
For the guidance of childhood ; 
For the salvation of men ; 
People. We dedicate this house. 
Minister. For aggression against evil; 
For fostering patriotism ; 
For promoting civic righteousness ; 
People. We dedicate this house. 
Minister. For sympathy and fellowship with 
the needy; 
For brotherhood with all men; 
For the essential unity of all believers 
in Jesus Christ; 
People. We dedicate this house. 
Minister. For the building of character; 

For the giving of hope and courage to 

all human hearts ; 
For the teaching of morality, tem- 
perance and justice; 
People. We dedicate this house. 
Minister. For missionary endeavor at home and 
abroad ; 
For world-wide evangelism and edu- 

6i 



Book of Church Services 

cation, till all the kingdoms of the 
world become the kingdom of our 
Lord, and of his Christ; 
For the reform of social wTongs, till 
all human societ>^ is transformed 
into a kingdom of heaven; 

People. We dedicate this house. 

Minister. In grateful remembrance of all who 
have loved and served this church; 
with hearts tender for those who 
have fared forth from the earthly 
habitations; a free-will offering of 
thanksgiving and praise; 

People. We dedicate this house. 

Minister and People. We, now, the people of 
this church and congregation, com- 
passed about with a great cloud 
of witnesses, grateful for our heri- 
tage, remembering the sacrifices of 
the fathers, confessing that apart 
from us their work cannot be made 
perfect, do dedicate ourselves 
anew to the worthy worship of 
God in this place and to the con- 
stant service of God in the Chris- 
tian service of men. 

*" Then shall be said, or sung, by the minister a?id all the 
people together, one or two verses of 

THE HYMX: " Glorious things of thee are spoken." 

^ Then shall follow 

THE PR^WER OF DEDICATION.- 

^ The minister may use his own form of words; or, if pre- 
ferred, may use one or more of the following: 



62 




Dedication of a Church 

Almighty and Everlasting God, who inhabitest 
eternity and dwellest not in temples made 
with hands, yet who dost manifest thyself 
to thy people in the sanctuary, accept, we 
pray thee, the offering of this house which 
we have built to the glory of thy Holy 
Name. We have set it apart as a temple of 
worship, where thy praises shall be de- 
voutly sung ; where the prayers of thy people 
shall be made unto thee continually ; where 
thy holy gospel shall be preached; and 
where the sacraments of thy church shall 
be observed. May we worship thee here in 
spirit and in truth; and may the glory of 
the Lord fill this house. Amen, 

Heavenly Father, grant us thy presence within 
these walls, we beseech thee. Unless thou 
art with us we have built in vain. May 
thy spirit enable us here to do the work of 
thy kingdom, in loyal discipleship to thy 
Son, Jesus Christ, whose we are and whom 
we serve. Give unto us a quickening faith 
and sympathy with all that is noble and 
true. Broaden our vision and our interests, 
enlarge our hearts, until we shall give our- 
selves in helpful ministry to all who sin 
and suffer, all who are weary and heavy 
laden, all who hope and pray. Deliver us 
from bitterness and strife, from pride and 
boasting, from narrowness of creed and 
selfishness of life, so that all who truly love 
Christ and desire to follow Him may find a 
home and a place for service with us. In- 
spire us with lofty ideals, and help us to 
learn the great lesson of life from Him who 

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Book of Church Services 

came '' not to be ministered unto, but to 
minister." Help us here to be co-laborers 
with thee, working with tireless zeal for 
the triumph of thy kingdom on earth, so 
that at last the whole wide world shall be 
none other but the house of God, and the 
gate of heaven. Amen} 

Almighty God, Fountain of wisdom, goodness 
and love, we ask for this church the conse- 
cration of thy presence and spirit. May all 
thy children be ever welcome here. Hither 
may the little ones love to come, and here 
may young men and maidens be strength- 
ened for the battle of life. Here may the 
strong renew their power, and hither may 
age turn its footsteps to find the peace of 
God and light at eventide. Here may the 
poor and needy find friends. Here may 
the tempted find succor, the sorrov/ing find 
comfort, and the bereaved catch the vision 
of their loved ones in the eternal home. 
Here may those who doubt have their better 
hopes confirmed. Here may the careless 
be awakened to their folly and sin, and be 
brought to timely repentance. Here may 
thy faithful people make manifest the 
church of the living God, the pillar and 
ground of the truth, and may this house be 
the place where thine honor dwelleth, and 
the whole earth be filled with thy glory. 
Amen^ 

DEDICATIOxN HYMN. 

^ One of the following may he used^ if desired: 

1 John Doane. 

2 John Hunter. 

64 



% 



Dedication of a Church 

" A mighty Fortress is our God." 
" O Master, let me walk with Thee." 
"Faith of our fathers, living still." 
" O God, beneath thy guiding hand." 
" O where are kings and empires now." 

^ Then let the people he seated with bowed heads, while the 
minister leads them in 

THE CLOSING PRAYER AND 

THE BENEDICTION. 

Now may the peace of God, which passeth all 
understanding, keep your hearts and minds 
in the knowledge and love of God, and of his 
Son, Jesus Christ our Lord ; and the blessing 
of God Almighty, the Father, Son, and Holy 
Spirit, be amongst you, and remain with 
you always. Amen, 

ORGAN POSTLUDE. 



65 



AN ORDER OF SERVICE FOR THE 
DEDICATION OF AN ORGAN 

ORGAN PRELUDE. 

^ One of the following may be used, if desired: 

** Andante Religiose " Parker 

** Sonata in A Minor " Borowski 

** Prelude in E Flat " Lejnmens 

INTRODUCTORY HYMN. 

Tf One of the following may he used, if desired: 

" Jerusalem, the golden." 

" Ancient of Days, who sittest throned in glory." 

** Rejoice, ye pure in heart." 

" Round the Lord in glory seated." 

TI Then let the minister give 

THE CALL TO WORSHIP. 

Praise ye the Lord! Sing unto the Lord a new 

song, and his praise in the congregation of 

saints. 
O come, let us worship and bow down: let us 

kneel before the Lord our Maker. 
For he is our God; and we are the people of his 

pasture and the sheep of his hand. 

TI While the congregation is seated, with bowed heads, let the 
7ninister lead in 

THE PR^^YER OF INVOCATION. 

T[ The Minister may use his own words, or, if he prefers, the 
following: 

Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, who hast 
made manifest thy purpose of love toward 
us by countless blessings, and who hast 
crowned them with the unspeakable gift 
of our Saviour, Jesus Christ; kindle in our 

66 



Dedication of an Organ 

souls the spirit of praise and thanksgiving 
at the remembrance of thy goodness. We 
thank thee for the beauty of the world, and 
for the voices of melody that lift our hearts 
to thee. Grant that the songs of praise we 
here render may thrill us with the conscious- 
ness that we are one with those who serve 
thee day and night in thy temple on high, 
and fit us more and more for that joyous 
and eternal fellowship ; through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen, 

THE LORD'S PRAYER — All uniting. 

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be 
thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will 
be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give 
us this day our daily bread. And forgive 
us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 
And lead us not into temptation, but de- 
liver us from evil. For thine is the king- 
dom, and the power, and the glory forever. 
Amen. 

T[ Then let the choir render 

AN ANTHEM OF PRAISE. 

1[ The Te Deum or Jubilate Deo would he appropriate^ or 
one of the following anthems may he used^ if desired: 

" Praise ye the Lord " Strattner 

" The Lord is my rock " Woodman 

" Land of Hope and Glory " Elgar 

" How beautiful upon the mountains ". .Galbraith 

\ Then let the minister and people unite in the . 
RESPONSIVE READING. 

Praise ye the Lord. Praise ye the Lord from 
the heavens: 
Praise him in the heights. 

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Book of Church Services 

Praise ye him, all his angels: 

Praise ye him, all his hosts. 
Praise ye him, Sun and Moon: 

Praise hinij all ye stars of light. 
Praise him, ye heavens of heavens: 

And ye waters that be above the heavens. 
Let them praise the name of the Lord : 

For he commanded, and they were created. 
Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctu- 
ary: 

Praise him in the firmament of his power. 
Praise him for his mighty acts: 

Praise him according to his excellent great- 
ness. 
Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: 

Praise him with the psaltery and harp. 
Praise him with the timbrel and dance : 

Praise him with stringed instruments, and 
organs. 
Praise him upon the loud cymbals: 

Praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. 
Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord : 

Praise ye the Lord. 

And I heard a great voice of much people in 
heaven, saying: 
Alleluia! salvation, and glory, and honor, and 
power unto the Lord our God. 

And I heard as it were the voice of a great 
multitude, and as the voice of many waters, 
and as the voice of mighty thunderings, 
saying: 
Alleluia! for the Lord God omnipotent 
reigneth. 

And I heard the voice of many angels round 
about the throne : and the number of them 

68 



Dedication of an Organ 

was ten thousand times ten thousand, and 
thousands of thousands, saying with a loud 
voice : 

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive 
power and riches, and wisdom and strength, 
and honor, and glory and blessing. 
And every creature that is in heaven, and on the 
earth, and under the earth, and such as 
are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard 
I saying : * 

Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power be 
unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and 
unto the Lamb, forever and ever. Amen. 

If Then let all the people sing the 
GLORIA PATRI 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to 
the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, 
is now, and ever shall be, world without 
end. Amen. 

T Then may follow 

THE OFFERTORY. 

If While the offerings are being gathered, suitable music may 
be rendered on the organ. Some of the following may be 
usedy if desired: 

" Andante " Dickinson 

** Festival March in F " Foofe 

" Reverie " Dethier 

** Symphony No. 6 " ,. Widor 

Tf Then may the congregation stand and sing a 

HYMN OF PRAISE. 

^ One of the following may be used: 

" Hark! hark! the organ loudly peals." 

" God's trumpet wakes the slumbering world." 

** Angel voices, ever singing." 

'*Hark! the herald angels sing." 

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Book of Church Services 

If Then may foil ozv 
THE ADDRESS. 

•[ Then may the cojigregation stand and unite unth the minis- 
ter in the 

DEDICATION OF THE ORGAN. 

To the glory of God the Father, to the service of 
Christ and his church, to the quickening in- 
, fluence of the Holy Spirit, 
We dedicate this organ. 
For the ministry of music to the soul; for in- 
spiration to praise and prayer through 
heart-touching melodies and majestic har- 
monies; for leadership of the great con- 
gregation in sacred song, 
We dedicate this organ. 
For the awakening of the spirit of devotion; 
for the soothing of troubled hearts in 
anxiety; for the giving of cheer to the 
downcast and of comfort to the sorrowing; 
and for the kindling of courage and of high 
and holy purpose in those who hear it, 
We dedicate this organ. 
For humbling of the heart in awe before the 
eternal mysteries; for the thrilling of the 
soul with joy by the message of infinite love ; 
for the exaltation of the soul in rapture before 
the promised victory of life triumphant. 
We dedicate this organ. 
For the interpretation of the message of the 
great Masters of music; for making the 
gospel story more vivid and effective by 
its many voices; for the development of 
faith and the ennobling of life, 
We dedicate this organ. 

% Then let the minister lead the people in 



Dedication of an Organ 

THE PRAYER OF DEDICATION. 

^ He may use his own words, or the following: 

Almighty and most merciful God, who hast 
made the heart of man to respond to the 
touch of thy spirit as a harp to the hand of a 
Master, give to us the vision of thy glory 
as we worship thee. As the morning stars 
sang together at the creation, and all the 
myriad voices of nature lift a chorus of 
praise unto thee, so may our hearts be 
attuned to adore thee. May this instru- 
ment of music which we here dedicate to 
thy service contribute to the happiness and 
welfare of thy children. May its melodious 
tones cheer the hearts of those who gather 
in thy holy temple. When little ones 
are brought here for consecration to thee, 
and when men and women here enlist as 
followers of Christ, may its benediction fall 
sweetly upon them. When marriage vows 
are spoken here in the brightness of life's 
morning, or when in the sadness of fare- 
well we pay the last tribute to our sainted 
loved ones, may its deep-toned message 
bring a blessing to the spirit. So may 
this organ give strength to our lives, and 
help forward the triumph of thy kingdom; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, 

\ Then let the congregation stand and sing 

THE CLOSING HYMN. 

•[[ One of the following may he used, if desired: 

" God, the Lord, a King remaineth." 

" Hark, hark, my soul! Angelic songs are swelling." 

** Sing to the Lord a joyful song." 

** My country 'tis of thee." 

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Book of Church Services 

Then let the congregation he seated, with bowed heads, while 
the minister gives the 

BENEDICTION. 

The peace of God, which passe th all under- 
standing, keep your hearts and minds in 
the knowledge and love of God, and of his 
Son, Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing 
of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and 
the Holy Spirit be amongst you and remain 
with you always. 

If Then may the choir chaiit 

THE SEVENFOLD AMEN. 

Tf Then may the service he concluded, with the 

ORGAN POSTLUDE. 

1[ One of the following may he used, if desired: 

" Postlude in B Flat " West 

** Toccata and Fugue in D Minor " Bach 

'* Hallelujah Chorns " Handel 



72 



AN ORDER FOR THE DEDICATION OF 
A PARISH HOUSE 

1[ When in addition to the House of Worship a building has 

been erected by the church for a Parish House for its .. 

varied needs and for community service^ it is fitting that | 

it should be dedicated to God as a means of ministering ' 

to the spiritual welfare and social betterment of the com- 
munity. 

% The Church and Sunday school having assembled in the 
Parish Building, the following order of service may be 
used: 

INSTRUMENTAL PRELUDE. 
INTRODUCTORY HYMN. 

\ One of the following may be used, if desired: 

" Ancient of Days, who sittest throned in glory." 
" Songs of praise the angels sang." 
" Rejoice, ye pure in heart." 
" Forward be our watchword." 

INVOCATION. 

Tf The pastor may use his own words, or if he prefers may use 
the following: 

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who dost 
look upon the whole family of man as thy 
children, and dost desire to have each one 
clothed with the beauty and strength of 
thy Son, Jesus Christ, let thy blessing rest 
upon us as we consecrate this building to 
the service of humanity in the name of our 
Master. May we glorify thee by making 
human life more glorious here. May old and 
young, rich and poor, meet here in happy 
fellowship. May thy truth irradiate the ^ 
minds and thy spirit fill the hearts of those 

7Z 



Book of Church Services 

who gather here. May the whole life find 
development here in body, mind and soul. 
May streams of generous helpfulness flow 
forth from this fountain of blessing to cheer 
this entire community and the whole world ; 
in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who 
hath taught us to pray, saying: 

1[ Here let all the people unite with the minister in the Lord's 
Prayer: 

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be 
thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will 
be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give 
us this day our daily bread. And forgive 
us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 
And lead us not into temptation, but de- 
liver us from evil. For thine is the king- 
dom, and the power, and the glory, forever. 
Amen, 

If Then let all the people sing the 
GLORIA PATRI. 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to 
the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, 
is now, and ever shall be, world without 
end. Amen. 

Tf Then let the minister unite with the people in the 
RESPONSIVE READING. 

Praise ye the Lord. Praise him, O ye servants 
of the Lord. 
Praise ye the name of the Lord. 
Both young men and maidens; old men and 
children; let them praise the name of the 
Lord. 
For his name alone is exalted; His glory is 
above the earth and heaven. 

74 



Dedication of a Parish House 

Come, ye children, hearken unto me; I will 
teach you the fear of the Lord. 
What man is he that desireth life, and loveth 
many days that he may see good? 
Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from 
speaking guile. 
Depart from evil, and do good ; seek peace, and 
pursue it. 
Doth not wisdom cry, and understanding put 
forth her voice? 
I love them that love me, and they that seek 
me early shall find me. 
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the 
man that getteth understanding. 
For the gaining of it is better than the gaining 
of silver, and the profit thereof than fine gold. 
Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; 
And let thy heart cheer thee in the days of 
thy youth; 
And walk in the ways of thy heart, and in the 
sight of thine eyes. 
But know thou that for all these things God 
will bring thee into judgment. 
Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy 
youth, before the evil days come. 
And the years draw nigh when thou shalt 
say, I have no pleasure in them. 
Wilt not thou at this time cry unto me, 

My Father, thou art the guide of my youth? 
Show me thy ways, O Lord ; teach me thy paths ; 
That our sons may be as plants grown up in 
their youths 
And our daughters as corner-stones, 

Polished after the similitude of a palace. 
Happy is the people that is in such a case; 
Yea, happy is the people whose God is the Lord. 

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Book of Church Services 

If Then let all the people sing a 

HYMN. 

Tf One of the following may be used if desired: 

** Lift up your heads, rejoice." 

*' It is a day of gladness." 

** God's trumpet wakes the slumbering world. ' 

" Work, for the night is coming." 

Tf Then may be given the 

ADDRESS, OR ADDRESSES. 

Tf A statement may be made of the character and purpose of the 
building^ together with a word of appreciation of those 
whose generous gifts have made it possible, 

Tf Then may folloWy with responses^ 

THE SERVICE OF DEDICATION. 

For the worship of God, the fellowship of the 
Master, the communion of the Spirit, and 
the salvation of men , 
We dedicate this house. 

For Christian instruction, the study of the 
Scripture, a knowledge of the Father's 
guidance through the ages, and a greater 
familiarity with the lives of the heroes and 
heroines of church and state, 
We dedicate this house. 

For missionary information and work, that we 
may gain a vision of the greatness and 
wonder of the task, and bear our full share 
of the duties and privileges of the far-flung 
battle line of Christ's kingdom in this and 
other lands, 
We dedicate this house. 

For Christian citizenship, that this church and 
its people may do all within their power to 

76 



Dedication of a Parish House 

apply the principles of Jesus to government, 
business, society and their daily conduct, 
We dedicate this house. 

For civic service in the name of charity, justice, 
and friendship, that this church, its people 
and equipment, may meet the needs of as 
many as possible, in as many ways as possi- 
ble, to help to the full limit of every op- 
portunity to make our community life safer, 
cleaner and more wholesome, 
We dedicate this house. 

For brotherhood in the Master's name, that 
the terms, '* church house " and " church 
family,'' may be rich with meaning and 
significance; that the complete democracy 
of Christian fellowship may be realized; 
that a larger circle of personal acquaintance 
within the church may create new ties that 
shall both serve and give larger privileges 
of service, 
We dedicate this house. 

For recreation and athletics, that the God- 
given instincts of joy and play may find 
free expression, that clean and wholesome 
amusement may be used to give pleasure to 
all and to help in the upbuilding of the 
fellowship and ministry of the church. 
We dedicate this house. 

For a broader program and a more continuous 
use of the building, that the largest number 
of worthy human motives may be reached, 
the largest number of human needs met, and 
the church brought into contact with life at 
the largest possible number of points so that 
we may be'' The Church of* the Open Door," 
We dedicate this house. 

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Book of Church Services 

^ Then may follow the 

PRAYER OF DEDICATION. 

^ The minister may use his own words, or, if he prefers, the 
following: 

Our heavenly Father and Eternal Friend, who 
dost rejoice in the welfare and happiness of 
thy children, and dost seek to deliver them 
from weakness and sin, and lift them ever 
toward the glory of thine own life, grant to us 
thy special benediction as we dedicate to 
thee and to the work of thy kingdom this 
house which thou hast enabled us to build. 
Illumine with thy truth the minds which 
thou hast given us as we study thy holy 
word. Kindle in our hearts a love of all 
good and noble things, and mould our lives 
after the pattern given us in Jesus Christ. 
May the young people here gain such mas- 
tery of body and soul, that they shall be 
fully equipped for successful lives. May 
the children here lift glad Hosannas to their 
King and learn to walk in his way. May 
there be here such a neighborly spirit of 
sympathy and good will that this whole 
community shall feel the love of God shed 
abroad here. So may thy light shine here, 
and may thy name be glorified. Amen, 

If Then let all join in 

THE CLOSING HYMN. 

1[ One of the following may he used, if desired: 

" Christ for the world we sing." 
** Sing we of the golden city." 
** Fling out the banner, let it float." 
** My country, 'tis of thee." 

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Dedication of a Parish House 

^ Then may the service he concluded with 
THE BENEDICTION. 

Now unto him that is able to keep us from falling, 
and to present us faultless before the pres- 
ence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the 
only wise God our Saviour, be glory and 
majesty, dominion and power, both now 
and ever. Amen. 

Or this 

Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding 
abundantly above all that we ask or think, 
according to the power that worketh in us ; 
unto Him be glory in the church by Christ 
Jesus, throughout all ages, world without 
end. Amen, 

INSTRUMENTAL POSTLUDE. 



79 



ORDER OF SERVICE AT THE 
ORDINATION (OR INSTALLATION) 
OF A MINISTER 

^ A council of churches (represented by their pastors and 
delegates) and invited members having voted its approval 
of the ordination {or installation) of the minister^ the 
congregation being assembled for the public services of 
ordination {or installation), the following order may be 
observed: 

THE ORGAN PRELUDE. 

THE PROCESSIONAL OR INTRODUCTORY 
HYMN. 

If One of the following, or any other appropriate hymn, may 
be used: 

" Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty." 

'* Come, thou Almighty King." 

" The Son of God goes forth to war." 

" Rejoice, ye pure in heart." 

" Rise up, O men of God." 

T[ The ministers and members of the Council may, if desired, 
enter with the choir, or they may be seated during the 
organ prelude. 

THE MODERATOR'S STATEMENT shall then be made 
by the moderator of the Council, as to its inquiry and 
result. 

THE MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL 7nay then be pre- 
sented by the scribe. 

THE PRAYER OF INVOCATION. 

T[ The minister may use the following, or his own form of 
words: 

Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, Fountain 
of life and light, who didst raise up prophets 
in ancient times for the guidance of the 

80 



Ordination or Installation of a Minister 

people, and whose Son, Jesus Christ, did 
send abroad into the world, apostles, evan- 
gelists, pastors, and teachers, grant us thy 
blessing in this hour, we beseech thee. 
Bestow upon thy servant the spirit of thy 
grace, that he may be a true messenger of 
thy great love in Jesus Christ. May he, 
and all faithful ministers of thy gospel, be 
so filled with prophetic fire and apostolic 
zeal, that thy church may be greatly blessed, 
and thy name be glorified; through Jesus 
Christ our Lord who hath taught us to 
pray, saying: ^ 

T[ Here let all the people unite with the minister — 

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be 
thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be 
done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us 
this day our daily bread. And forgive us 
our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And 
lead us not into temptation, but deliver us 
from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and 
the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. 

THE SCRIPTURE READING. 

1[ The following responsive reading may he read hy the minister 
and people {standing): or other appropriate Scripture 
may he read hy the minister alone; such as 2 Tim, 2:1- 
13; 3:14-17; 4:1-8. 

Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Zion; 

And unto thee shall the vow be performed. 
O Thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all 
flesh come. 
As for our transgressions, thou wilt forgive 
them. 

1 John Hunter. 

8i 



Book of Church Services 

Blessed is the man whom thou dost choose and 

bring near, 
That he may dwell in thy courts: 

We shall be satisfied with the goodness of 
thy house, 

The holiness of thy temple. 
For the Lord hath chosen Zion, 

He hath desired it for his habitation. 
This is my resting place forever; 

Here will I dwell; for I have desired it. 
I will abundantly bless her provision : 

I will satisfy her poor with bread. 
Her priests also will I clothe with salvation; 

And her saints shall shout aloud for joy. 
Arise, O Lord, into thy resting place; 

Thou, and the ark of thy strength. 
Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness, 

And let thy saints shout for joy. 
Turn again our captivity, O Lord, as the streams 
in the south. 

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy; 
He that goeth forth weeping, bearing seed for 
the sowing 

Shall doubtless come home with rejoicing, 
Bringing his sheaves with him. 

•| Then may follow 
THE GLORIA PATRI. 

T[ Then may follow 

AN ANTHEM (by the choir). 

*f Or one of the following hymns may he used, if desired: 

" Ye servants of God, your Master proclaim." 

" Come, O Creator, Spirit blest," 

" Lord of the living harvest." 

" O Zion, haste, thy mission high fulfilling." 

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I 



Ordination or Installation of a Minister 

Tf Then shall follow 

THE SERMON. 

If Then shall be offered 

THE ORDAINING (OR INSTALLING) PRAYER. 

1[ When the candidate is to he ordained he shall kneel beside 
the pulpit, and the minister offering the ordaining 
prayer, the moderator and other ministers, shall lay 
their hands upon his head, after the apostolic example 
and solemnly ordain him to the gospel ministry. 

^ When the candidate is installed, he may stand before the 
pulpit while the installing prayer is offered. 

^ The following prayers may he used, if desired: . 

Almighty and Everlasting God, from whom 
cometh every good and perfect gift, we give 
thanks to thee for all thy bounties, and es- 
pecially for thine unspeakable gift in Jesus 
Christ whom thou hast sent to be the 
Saviour of the world. We thank thee that 
thou who didst speak in the prophets, didst 
live in thy Son, and that thou hast appointed 
thy church to be a witness unto him, and 
to proclaim his glad tidings to all the world. 
Let thy blessing rest upon thy church, we 
beseech thee, that it may be indeed the body 
of Christ, through which his spirit shines 
and his work is accomplished. May it 
make known thy way upon earth, thy sav- 
ing health among all nations. Heal its 
divisions, deliver it from blindness and 
prejudice, fill it with brotherly love, gird 
it with spiritual power, endue it with a new 
passion for the service of humanity, that 
it may show forth the power and beauty 
of the religion we profess, to the glory of 
thy holy name. Amen. 

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Book of Church Services 

Almighty and Merciful Father, we thank thee 
that thou hast sent forth laborers into the 
fields which are ripe for the harvest. Grant 
thine abundant grace to all who minister 
before thee in the sanctuary, and devote 
themselves to all the varied service of the 
Christian ministry. Replenish them with 
the truth of thy word, and the meekness of 
thy wisdom, and so nourish and preserve 
them in all simplicity and devoutness of 
life that they may faithfully serve thee 
with acceptable sacrifices, ever speaking 
thy message boldly and in love, and seeking 
only to do good to men, and to glorify thy 
name. Amen. 

O Lord of Light and Truth, who hast given to 
thy church the ministry of reconciliation 
whereby thy wandering children may be 
brought back to thee, to share thy life 
and receive the blessing of thy salvation, 
look with thy loving favor, we beseech 
thee, upon this thy servant whom we do 
now set apart and ordain to the work of the 
Christian ministry. [Here the ministers, 
in an ordination service, shall lay their hands 
upon the head of the candidate.] Pour down 
upon him the grace of thy Holy Spirit. 
Grant to him the knowledge of thy truth, 
that seeing it clearly and declaring it fear- 
lessly, he may lead men upward into a nobler 
life. Give to him that wisdom and courage, 
that sympathy and patience, that hope and 
trust, which shall empower him to win men 
and to lead them heavenward. Bless him 
in the work of training the young and 
reclaiming the fallen. Help him to cheer 

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Ordination or Installation of a Minister 

the sick, comfort the sorrowing, strengthen 
the weak, minister to the poor, and lead 
back to the Father's house those that have 
gone astray. May he be an example to 
thy people and a blessing to the community. 
May the power of his ministry be felt 
throughout this nation and unto the ends 
of the earth, as he seeks with his people the 
triumphs of the cross in all the world. 
And after a fruitful ministry may he be 
brought at last, with those whom thou 
shalt give him, into thine eternal glory; 
through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 

If Then let the people sing 
A HYMN. 

If One of the following may he used, if desired: 

" God of the prophets, bless the prophets' sons.'* 
" He that goeth forth with weeping." 
** Go labor on, spend and be spent." 

^ Then may be given 

THE CHARGE TO THE PASTOR. 

H This may be omitted in Installation, if desired. 

1[ Then may follow 

THE RIGHT HAND OF FELLOWSHIP. 

1[ Then may he given 

THE ADDRESS TO THE PEOPLE. 

^ Then let the people sing 

A HYMN. 

Tf One of the following may he used, if desired. 

** O Master, let me walk with Thee." 

" Christ for the world we sing." 

" God's trumpet wakes the slumbering world." 

" Sing we of the Golden City." 

" Fling out the banner, let it float." 

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Book of Church Services 

\ Then may follow 

THE CLOSING PRAYER {hy the moderator), 

If Then may he given hy the newly ordained {or installed) 
minister 

THE BENEDICTION. 

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love 
of God, and the communion of the Holy 
Spirit, be with you all. 

ORGAN POSTLUDE. 



86 



AN ORDER FOR THE BAPTISM OR 
CONSECRATION OF CHILDREN 

Tf When children are to be presented for baptism {or conse- 
cration) , the name of each child in fully with the date of its 
birth, and the names of both parents, should be given to the 
minister, in writing, at the time of the service. 

^ As the parents bring the children forward the choir may 
chant the following: 

The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting 
upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto chil- 
dren's children: 

To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remem- 
ber his commandments to do them. Ps. 103 : 17, 18. 

If Or, if preferred, the congregation may sing an appro- 
priate hymn, such as 

** See, Israel's gentle shepherd stands." 
** To Him who children blessed." 
" By cool Siloam's shady rill." 
" Saviour, who thy flock art feeding." 

1[ Then let the minister read one or more of the following: 

The promise is unto you and to your children, 
and to all that are afar off, even as 
many as the Lord your God shall call. 
Acts 2 : 39. ^ 

See that ye despise not one of these little ones; 
for I say unto you, that in heaven their 
angels do always behold the face of my 
Father who is in heaven. Matt. 18 : 10. 

It is not the will of your Father in heaven that 
one of these little ones should perish. 
Matt. 18 : 14. 

And these words, which I command thee shall 
be upon thine heart; and thou shalt teach 
them diligently unto thy children, and shalt 

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Book of Church Services 

talk of them when thou sittest in thine 
house, and when thou walkest by the way, 
and when thou Hest down, and when thou 
risest up. Deut. 6 : 6, 7. 
And they brought young children to him, that 
he should touch them: and his disciples 
rebuked those that brought them. But 
when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, 
and said unto them, Suffer the little chil- 
dren to come unto me, and forbid them 
not; for of such is the kingdom of God. 
Verily I say unto you, whosoever shall not 
receive the kingdom of God as a little 
child, he shall not enter therein. And he 
took them up in his arms, put his hands 
upon them, and blessed them. Mk. 10:13-16. 

^ Then shall the minister address those presenting their 
children as follows: 

Dearly beloved, in presenting these children [or 
this child] for baptism [or consecration] 
3^ou confess your faith in the universal 
fatherhood of Him who said, '' All souls 
are mine," and in the tender care and re- 
deeming love of Him who took little chil- 
dren in his arms and blessed them, saying, 
'' Of such is the kingdom of heaven." 
You bring them acknowledging that they 
are the gifts of God, and desiring that they 
may be dedicated to the Christian life. 

You promise to teach them that they are God's 
children, that they owe to him the love of 
their hearts and the service of their lives; 
and that the beginning of wisdom is to trust 
him and obey him. You will teach them 
the way of goodness and of truth ; that they 



Baptism or Consecration of Childreri 

may learn to hate evil and love righteous- 
ness, and may know the Father as he is 
revealed in Christ Jesus through obedience 
and love. Not only by the teaching of 
your lips but by the holy influence of faith- 
ful lives you will seek to reveal to them that 
grace which is able to save us from our sins, 
to strengthen us in our labors, to comfort us 
in our sorrows, and to bring us home to 
God. Do you so promise? 

Answer. I do. 

Tf Then the minister may take the child in his arms, if con^ 
venientj and shall say to the parents: 

Name this child. 

% Then, naming it after them, the minister shall say: 

N , I baptize thee in the name of the Father, 

and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 
Amen, 

\ In the consecration of children, the minister shall say: 

N , I consecrate thee to the Christian life, 

to the worship of God, and to the service of 
thy fellowmen; in the name of the Father, 
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 
Amen. 

\ Then let the minister offer prayer, using his own words, or 
the following: 

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, the protec- 
tor of all the weak, keep, guard, and bless 
this child [or these children] evermore. 
May he be a bringer of joy to the home and 
to the world into which he has been born. 
As he grows in years may he also grow in 
strength and beauty of character; and being 

8c, 



Book of Church Services 

led in the ways of divine wisdom, stand 
ever among thy good and faithful servants 
who rejoice to do thy will. 

Endue those into whose care thou hast com- 
mitted this child with a wise, loving, devout, 
and faithful spirit. Help them to make 
their home the scene of the highest affec- 
tions, the noblest discipline, and the 
purest religion. 

As we gladly welcome this child into the congre- 
gation of Christ's flock, to be under our 
special care, may we help him so that he 
shall never be ashamed to confess the faith 
of Christ crucified, but shall fight loyally 
under His banner against all evil, and con- 
tinue Christ's faithful soldier and servant 
unto the end. Amen. 

THE BENEDICTION. 

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord 
make his face to shine upon you, and be 
gracious unto you. The Lord lift up his 
countenance upon you, and give you peace. 

^ While the parents and children are retiring, an appropriate 
hymn or chant may he sung. 




90 



^ 



AN ORDER FOR THE RECEPTION OF 
MEMBERS INTO THE CHURCH 

T[ The names of those who are to unite with the church 
having been read, those who are to make confession of their 
faith shall present themselves before the minister. 

% If there are those , also, who are to unite by letter from 
other churches J they shall be seated conveniently near the 
pulpit, or, if preferred, their names may now be read, and they 
may stand with the others, 

T[ Then shall the minister say to those who enter the church 
on confession of their faith: 

What shall I render unto the Lord, for all His 

benefits toward me? 
I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon 

the name of the Lord. 
I will pay my vows unto the Lord, now, in the 

presence of all his people. 

Dearly beloved, called of God to be his children 
through Jesus Christ, we give hearty thanks 
to him, who has opened your eyes to see and 
your hearts to receive Jesus as your Saviour 
and Lord, and has inclined you to present 
yourselves here to enter into the commu- 
nion and fellowship of his church. 

Having truly repented of your sins, you sin- 
cerely devote yourselves to the love, obedi- 
ence, and service of God; you acknowledge 
Jesus Christ as your Lord and Master, and 
confess your purpose to learn of him, to 
become like him, and to advance his king- 
dom in the world; you accept his Word 
as the law of your life, and his Spirit as 
your comforter and guide; and trusting in 
his grace to strengthen you, you promise 

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Book of Church Services 

to do what you can to promote the peace, 
purity, and prosperity of this church, 
walking with his disciples in love, and 
glorifying him by a faithful life. Do you 
so promise? 

^ Then shall each one answer ^ 

I do. 

1[ Then shall baptism he administered to those not previously 
baptized J and the minister shall say to them: 

Will you receive Christian baptism as a symbol 
of that inward purity of life which you seek, 
and a sign that you dedicate yourself to 
the service and glory of God? 

\ Then shall each person who is to be baptized answer ^ 

I will. 

1[ Then shall the minister baptize each of them, saying, 

N , I baptize thee in the name of the Father, 

and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 
Amen. 

^ Then addressing those who were baptized in childhood, the 
minister shall say: 

You who in childhood were brought into the 
church on the faith of your parents, to be 
recognized as the children of God, and 
dedicated to his service; do you accept 
and confirm for yourselves that consecra- 
tion made for you in childhood when you 
were baptized in the name of the Father, 
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit? 

T[ Then shall each of them answer, 

I do. 

If Then shall the minister say to them: 

92 



Reception of Members into the Church 

The God of all grace, who hath called you into 
his eternal glory by Jesus Christ, confirm 
you unto the end, that ye may be blameless 
in the day of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

T[ Then shall the minister say to all: 

And may he so strengthen each one of you, 
baptized in his name, that hereafter you 
shall not be ashamed to confess the faith of 
Christ crucified, but that you may man- 
fully fight under his banner against all evil 
and continue Christ's faithful soldier and 
servant until the end. 

% Then shall the minister read the names of those to he 
received hy letter^ if the names have not before been read, 
and they shall stand in the place appointed; and the 
minister shall say to them: 

Kindred in Christ, who come acknowledging the 
vows made when first you declared your 
faith in Christ, we bid you welcome. We 
greet you as fellow-laborers in his service, 
and fellow-travelers to his promised rest. 
Do you now cordially unite yourselves with 
this church of Christ, and accept its cove- 
nant of mutual service? Do you promise 
to pray and work for its upbuilding and its 
usefulness; to help in sustaining its worship, 
its activities and its charities; and to live 
with us in Christian fellowship? Do you 
so promise? 

^ Then shall each one answer , 

I do. 

1[ Then shall the members of the church rise in salutation and 
welcome, and the minister shall say to all uniting with 
the church on confession and by letter: 

93 



Book of Church Services 

We then, the members of this church, welcome 
you with joy into our communion and fel- 
lowship. We pledge to you our sympathy, 
our help, and our prayers that you may 
evermore increase in the knowledge and 
love of God. God grant that loving and 
being loved, serving and being served, bless- 
ing and being blessed, we may be prepared 
while we dwell together on earth for the 
perfect fellowship of the saints above. 

1[ Then may the minister give to each one the right hand of 
fellowship, speaking some pastoral word, or giving a 
verse of Scripture. 

% Then shall the minister give a Benediction: 

Now unto Him who is able to keep you from 
falling, and to present you faultless before 
the presence of his glory with exceeding joy; 
to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory 
and majesty, dominion and power, world 
without end, both now and forever. Amen. 

Or this: 

Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding 
abundantly above all that we ask or think, 
according to the power that worketh in us; 
unto Him be the glory in the church by 
Christ Jesus, through all ages, world without 
end. Amen. 



94 



AN ORDER FOR THE ADMINISTRATION 
OF THE LORD'S SUPPER 

U On the day appointed for the Communion, the deacons 
having charge of the Lord's table shall see that it is ar- 
ranged in order. 

If The minister and deacons shall assemble and be seated in 
the place appointed. 

THE HYMN. 

If When the ordinance follows another service, this may be the 
closing hymn of that previous service. 

^ One of the following hymns may be used, if desired: 

" Just as I am, without one plea." 
" When I survey the wondrous cross." 
" Here, O my Lord, I see thee face to face." 
** Bread of the world, in mercy broken." 
'' Break Thou the bread of life." 

THE WORDS OF CHRIST 

^ The minister may then read one or more of the following 
sentences: 

Hear what comfortable words our Saviour Christ 
saith unto all who truly turn to him: 

Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy 
laden, and I will give you rest. Take my 
yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am 
meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find 
rest unto your souls. 

God so loved the world that he gave his only 
begotten Son that whosoever believeth on 
him should not perish, but have eternal life. 

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after 
righteousness, for they shall be filled. 

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall 
find ; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 



L 



95 



Book of Church Services 

If ye, being evil, know how to give good gifts 
unto your children, how much more shall 
your Father who is in heaven give good 
things unto them that ask him. 

Even as the Father hath loved me, I also have 
loved you: abide ye in my love. 

Whosoever will be chief among you let him be 
your servant; even as the Son of Man came 
not to be ministered unto but to minister, 
and to give his life a ransom for many. 

THE INVITATION 

^Then shall be given the invitation of the minister to the people. 

Ye that do truly and earnestly repent you of 
your sins, and are in love and charity with 
your neighbors, and intend to lead a new 
life, following the commandments of God, 
and walking from henceforth in his holy 
ways; draw near with reverence, faith and 
thanksgiving and take the Supper of the 
Lord to your comfort. 

Come to this sacred table, not because you must 
but because you may; come to testify not 
that you are righteous but that you sin- 
cerely love our Lord Jesus Christ and desire 
to be his true disciples; come, not because 
you are strong but because you are weak; 
not because you have any claim on heaven's 
rewards, but because in your frailty and 
sin you stand in constant need of God's 
mercy and help; come, not to express an 
opinion, but to seek a Presence and pray 
for a Spirit. 

And now that the Supper of the Lord is spread 
before you, lift up your minds and hearts 
above all selfish fears and cares. Let this 

96 



Administration of the Lord's Supper 

bread and this wme be to you the witnesses 
and signs of the grace of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, the love of God, and the communion 
of the Holy Spirit. Before the throne of 
the heavenly Father and the cross of the 
Redeemer make your humble confession of 
sin, consecrate your lives to the Christian 
obedience and service, and pray for strength 
to do and to bear the holy and blessed will 
of God.i 

H Then let the minister lead the people in 

THE COMMUNION PRAYER 

^ He may use his own words , or the following: 

Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, 
all desires known, and from whom no secrets 
are hid; cleanse the thoughts of our hearts 
by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that 
we may perfectly love thee, and worthily 
magnify thy holy name; through Christ 
our Lord. AmenJ^ 

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, we give 
thanks to thee that thou, of thy tender 
mercy, did'st give thine only Son, Jesus 
Christ, to be the Redeemer of all who put 
their trust in him. We thank thee that 
he endured the Cross, despising the shame, 
that by his sacrifice for the sins of the world 
he might become the world's perfect 
Saviour. We beseech thee to bless us now 
as we celebrate this Holy Supper instituted 
by him as a memorial to be cherished by 
his church, of his holy passion and precious 

1 John Hunter. 

2 Common Prayer. 

97 



Book of Church Services 

death, his mighty resurrection and glorious 
ascension. By the effectual working of thy 
Spirit in our hearts wilt thou sanctify and 
bless to us these elements, symbols of the 
body that was broken and the blood that 
was shed for us, assurances of his eternal 
love. May we receive by faith Christ 
crucified for us, and so feed upon him that 
he may be one with us, and we with him. 
May we so partake of this bread and this 
cup that our hearts and lives may be truly 
pledged and yielded to the sway of his 
Spirit. 
And we humbly beseech thee, most merciful 
Father, that as with penitent hearts we 
strive to follow him, we may have the as- 
surance that our sins are forgiven. Here we 
oflfer and present to thee, O Lord, ourselves, 
our souls and our bodies to be a reasonable, 
holy and living sacrifice unto thee, praying 
that we may be filled with thy grace and 
heavenly benediction; that we may be led 
in the way of truth and peace, through Jesus 
Christ our Lord; to whom, with the Father, 
and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, 
world without end. Amen. 

Or this 

O God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who 
dost call us to draw near to thee in Holy 
Communion; look graciously, we beseech 
thee, upon thy servants who seek thy grace 
in this most holy ordinance. Give unto 
us true and hearty sorrow for past sins, 
power to confess the same unto thee, grace 
to seek thy mercy and forgiveness, and an 

98 



Administration of the Lord's Supper 

earnest desire to walk before thee in newness 
and holiness of life ; and mercifully grant 
that we, with all those who shall come to 
thy holy table, may be filled with thy 
Spirit in the inner man; that drawing near 
with penitent hearts and lively faith, we 
may receive the holy sacrament to our 
present and everlasting comfort; through 
thy Son our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.^ 

Or this 

Most Holy and most Merciful God, our Heavenly 
Father, led by Jesus Christ we draw near 
to thee. Beneath the shadow of his Cross, 
in the light of his revelation, in the com- 
munion of his Spirit, in the fellowship of 
his church, we would meditate and pray. 

We would remember Christ. We would re- 
member the gracious beauty of his life, 
his obedience unto death, the charity of his 
Cross, and his victory over the world's sin 
and sorrow. Quicken our hearts with the 
memory of our Master till we feel it to be 
no task to serve him, no hardship to follow 
him, and no burden to carry his Cross. 

Heavenly Father, we rejoice in the communion 
of thy saints, more especially in those whom 
we ourselves have known and loved, the 
dear and holy dead who have made the 
unseen world a home for us. Let the cloud 
of witnesses be for us an example of godly 
life; and by faith, hope, and love may we 
be united to them and to thee now and 
evermore. 

We remember in this sacred hour of communion 

^ Scotch Book of Common Order. 

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Book of Church Services 

the whole family of man. We pray thee to 
comfort the sad, to strengthen the weak, 
to refresh the weary, to protect the inno- 
cent, to reward the faithful, to save the 
lost, and to reconcile all hearts and lives 
to thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen} 

T[ Then the minister shall repeat the Scripture words of in- 
stitution: 

Our Lord Jesus, the same night in which he was 
betrayed, took bread: 

And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and 
said, ''Take, eat; this is my body, which 
is broken for you; this do in remembrance 
of me." 

After the same manner also he took the cup, 
when he had supped, saying, '' This cup is 
the new testament in my blood: this do ye, 
as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me." 

As often as ye eat this bread and drink this cup 
ye do show the Lord's death till he come. 

Tf The minister shall then take the bread and break it in view 
of the people y saying: 

Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the same night in 
which he was betrayed, having taken bread, 
and blessed and broken it, gave it to his 
disciples: so I, ministering in his name, give 
this bread unto you. Take and eat this 
in remembrance that Christ died for you, 
and feed on him in your hearts by faith with 
thanksgiving. 

K After the minister, the people, and the deacons have par- 
taken of the breads the minister shall take the cup and 
say: 

iJohnHiinter. 

100 



Administration of the Lord's Supper 

Our Saviour also took the cup, and gave it to 
his disciples; so I, ministering in his name, 
give to you this cup. Drink this in re- 
membrance that Christ's blood was shed 
for you, and be thankful. 

If After the minister, the people, and the deacons have par- 
taken of the cup, the minister shall say: 

Let us pray. 

Almighty and most merciful God, who hast 
called us to sit together in heavenly places 
at this feast of thy love, we give thanks to 
thee for thy great goodness vouchsafed to 
us in this sacred Communion. Grant, we 
beseech thee, that we may so partake of 
the very life of Christ, that he may live 
again in us. May we be changed into his 
likeness, that at last he may present us 
faultless before the presence of his glory 
with exceeding joy. Amen, 

THE OFFERTORY 

]f Then may he taken an offering for those in need. 

^ During the distribution of the bread and wine and the re- 
ceiving of the offering, the organ may be played very' 
softly. 

If Then may follow 

THE HYMN OF COMMUNION. 

Tf One of the following may be used: 

" Beneath the cross of Jesus." 
" Rock of Ages, cleft for me." 
** Beneath the shadow of the cross." 
** More love to thee, O Christ." 
** My faith looks up to thee." 

\ Then while the people sit with bowed heads the minister shall 
give 

lOI 



Book of Church Services 

THE BENEDICTION: 

The peace of God, which passeth all under- 
standing, keep your hearts and minds in the 
knowledge and love of God, and of his Son 
Jesus Christ our Lord: And the blessing of 
God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the 
Holy Spirit, be amongst you, and remain 
with you always. Amen. 

Or this: 

Now the God of peace that brought again from 
the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd 
of the sheep, through the blood of the ever- 
lasting covenant, make you perfect in every 
good work to do his will, working in you that 
which is well pleasing in his sight; through 
Jesus Christ ; to whom be glory forever and 
ever. Amen, 

If After the Benediction the communicants may remain in 
silent prayer for a moment. 



102 



AN ORDER FOR A CHILDREN'S DAY 
SERVICE 

ORGAN PRELUDE. 

^ At the appointed hour the children and older people of the 
Sunday School and congregation^^ with the pastor and 
superintendent, having gathered in another room, may 
march into the house of worship , singing the 

PROCESSIONAL HYMN. 

^ One of the following may he used, if desired: 

" Onward, Christian Soldiers." 
'' Brightly gleams our banner." 
" Forward be our watchword." 
** Crown Him with many crowns." 
** When morning gilds the skies." 

If Then may the minister give 
THE CALL TO WORSHIP. 

I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go 
into the house of the Lord. One thing have 
I desired of the Lord; that will I seek after; 
That I may dwell in the house of the Lord 
all the days of my life, to behold the beauty 
of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple. 

O come, let us worship and bow down : let us 
kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He 
is our God; and we are the people of his 
pasture and the sheep of his hand. 

Tf Then may the minister lead the people in 
THE INVOCATION. 

Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, 
all desires known, and from whom no secrets 
are hid; cleanse the thoughts of our hearts 
by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit; that 

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Book of Church Services 

we may perfectly love Thee, and worthily 
magnify Thy Holy Name, through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen.^ 

THE LORD'S PRAYER. All uniting. 

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy 
name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be 
done in earth as it is in heaven. Give us 
this day our daily bread. And forgive us 
our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And 
lead us not into temptation; but deliver 
us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and 
the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. 

A SONG BY THE SUNDAY. SCHOOL. 

^ One of the follovAng may he used^ if desired: 

*' WTien his salvation bringing." 

** Hosanna we sing, like the children dear." 

** Rejoice, ye pure in heart." 

** O Jesus, I have promised." 

** O Saviour, precious Saviour." 

RESPONSIVE READING. 

And he took a little child, and set him in the 
midst of them; and taking him in his arms, 
he said unto them, 
Whosoever shall receive one of such little chil- 
dren in my name, receiveth me: and who- 
soever receiveth me, receiveth not me, but 
him that sent me. 
In that hour came the disciples unto Jesus, saying. 
Who then is greatest in the Kingdom of heaven? 
And he called to him a little child, and set him 
in the midst of them, and said, 
Verily I say unto you, except ye turn, and be- 
come as little children, ye shall in no wise 
enter into the Kingdom of heaven. 

1 Gregorian Sacramentar\-, A.D. 590. 
104 



Children's Day Service 

And they brought young children to him, that 
he should touch them: 
And his disciples rebuked those that brought 
therti. 
But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, 
and said unto them, 
Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and 
forbid them not: for of such is the Kingdom 
of heaven. 
Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not re- 
ceive the Kingdom of God as a little child, 
he shall not enter therein. 
And he took them up in his arms, put his hands 
upon them and blessed them. 

PRESENTATION OF CHILDREN FOR BAPTISM 
OR CONSECRATION. 

PRAYER. 

^ The pastor may use his own words, or^ if he prefers, one of 
the prayers in this hook. 

HYMN. 

^ One of the following may he used, if desired: 

" I think when I read that sweet story of old." 

** By cool Siloam's shady rill." 

** There's a Friend for little children." 

PRESENTATION OF THE CRADLE ROLL. 

T[ A gift of rosehuds or other flowers may he made to the chil- 
dren of the Cradle RolL 

PRESENTATION OF BIBLES TO CHILDREN OF 
THE CHURCH. 

A SONG. 

1[ By the Primary Department or a Children's Chorus, 
RECITATIONS AND EXERCISES. 
T[ By memhers of the church school, 
105 



Book of Church Services 

OFFERTORY. 

11 For Sunday School Extension and Missionary work. 

^ An Anthem by the choir may be sung if desired/ 

K Then may the congregation sing a 

HYMN. 

If One of the following may be used^ if desired: 

'* My God, I thank thee, who hast made." 

** For the beauty of the earth." 

" Take my life and let it be." 

** The spacious firmament on high." 

" Summer suns are glowing." 

ADDRESS BY THE PASTOR. 

f This may be given by an invited speaker^ if desired. 

CLOSING HYMN. 

If One of the following may be used, if desired : 

" God of our fathers, whose almighty hand." 
" The Son of God goes forth to war." 
** Saviour, again to thy dear name we raise." 
" Faith of our fathers, living still." 

PRAYER. 

% The minister may use his own form of words, or, if he pre- 
fers, he may use the following: 

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who hast 
shown us in Jesus Christ the wonders of thy 
love to us, help us to live as thy faithful and 
loyal children. Kindle in our hearts a deep 
desire to know and to do thy will. Bless 
these children gathered in thy house to wor- 
ship Thee, and may they learn here the 
lessons of the eternal life. Give to us all 
the childlike spirit, and bring us all at last 
into the glory of the eternal home, through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

1 06 



Children's Day Service 

BENEDICTION. 

Now unto Him that is able to keep you from 
falling, and to present you faultless before 
the presence of his glory, with exceeding joy, 
to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory 
and majesty, dominion and power, both 
now and ever. Amen, 

ORGAN POSTLUDE. 



107 



AN ORDER FOR 
A HOME MISSIONARY SERVICE 

ORGAN PRELUDE. 

PROCESSIONAL OR INTRODUCTORY HYMN. 

•" One of the following may be used, if desired: 

** Forward be our watchword." 

** WTio is on the Lord's side." 

'' Lord, thou hast taught our hearts to glow." 

*' O where are kings and empires now." 

INVOCATION. 

^ The ''linister, or leader, may use his own words ^ or, if he 

p-'zfers, the foUounng: 

Heavenly Father, who dost love thine earthly 
children with an everlasting love, awaken 
in thy church the joy of thy salvation. 
Endow her plenteously with spiritual gifts. 
Fill her with that passion for service which 
was in the heart of Jesus, and inspire her 
to labor with self-sacrificing devotion for 
the salvation of men. May her messengers 
go forth with devotion and joy into every 
part of this land which we love, and may 
their message reclaim, inspire and trans- 
form men. O thou Lord of the har\'est, 
send forth laborers fitted to reap in the 
great harvest-field. May they be guides to 
the blind, and comforters to the weary and 
hea\y laden; may they strengthen the 
weak and confirm the strong; may they 
faithfully rebuke sin, and boldly declare 
thy truth ; in the name of Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Amen, 

io8 



Home Missionary Service 

THE LORD'S PRAYER. 

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be 
thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will 
be done in earth as it is in heaven. Give 
us this day our daily bread. And forgive 
us our debts as we forgive our debtors. 
And lead us not into temptation, but de- 
liver us from evil. For thine is the king- 
dom, and the power, and the glory forever. 
Amen. 

A HYMN. 

If One of the following may he Msed^ if desired: 

** Hark, the voice of Jesus calling." 
" When wilt thou save the people." 
** Lord of the living harvest." 
'* Our country's voice is pleading." 

1[ Then let the minister and people unite in the 

RESPONSIVE READING. 

Jesus said unto them. Say not ye, There are yet 

four months, and then cometh harvest! 

Behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, 

and look on the fields; for they are white 

already to harvest. 
But when He saw the multitudes, He was 

moved with compassion on them, because 

they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as 

sheep having no shepherd. 
Then saith He unto His disciples. The harvest 

truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few. 
Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that 

He will send forth laborers unto His harvest ; 
And Jesus taught them many things by parables, 

and said unto them — hearken: behold, 

there went out a sower to sow: 
And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by 

109 



Book of Church Services 

the wayside, and the fov/ls of the air came, 
and devoured it up. 

And some fell on stony ground, where it had not 
much earth, and immediately sprang up, 
because it had no depth of earth. 
But when the sun was up, it was scorched ; and 
because it had no root, it withered away. 

And some fell among thorns, and the thorns 
grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no 
fruit. 
And other fell on good ground, and did yield 
fruit that sprang up and increased, and 
brought forth some thirty, some sixty, and 
some a hundredfold. 

GLORIA PATRI. 

SCRIPTURE READING. 

Appropriate passages are Ps. 107 ; Isa. 9: 11; 52; 55; 60; 
Acts 2; 3; 4; 13. Epli. 2, 

A HYMX. 

•" One of the following may be stingy if desired: 

" Stand up, stand up for Jesus." 

" Christ for the world we sing." 

** From ever\* clime and countn,'." 

"' These things shall be I a loftier race." 

" Lead on, O King Eternal." 

PRAYER. 

•" The ininister may use his oivn zvords, or, if he prefers, the 
folloii'ing: 

O thou, who art the Light of the world, shine, 
forth with thy truth and love through every 
part of our country. May the glorious 
gospel of the blessed God, with its evangel 
of hope and joy, be proclaimed to all the 
people. May Christ be so lifted up that 

no 



Home Missionary Service 

all shall see in him the Light of Life, and 
may he become to many the power of God 
unto salvation. Inspire the churches of 
this great nation with a holy zeal for thy 
Kingdom, that they may do their utmost 
to protect the republic from the moral and 
spiritual perils which threaten it. May 
they support gladly and generously those 
agencies which by their varied ministra- 
tions are seeking to make the principles 
and ideals of Christ to be the rule of life 
in every community. 

Let thy richest blessing, we beseech thee, rest 
upon the home missionary pastors and 
workers, in city and country, on the prairies 
and amid the 'mountains, in the North and 
South, in the East and West, that they 
faint not, neither grow weary in well doing; 
but cheered by the consciousness of thy 
presence and power may they rejoice in 
the privilege of service. Crown their self- 
sacrificing labors with success, and may 
they win many to the better life. 

Bless the churches to which they minister, that 
with quickened consciences, and glowing 
hearts, and consecrated wills, they may lift 
high the standards of righteousness and 
brotherly love, and may leaven the nation 
with the truth as it is in Jesus. May they 
be blest in the care of the poor, in the ser- 
vices of praise and prayer, in the training 
of the young, and in the promotion of social 
justice. Kindle in them a great desire for 
world-wide service, that by their gifts and 
prayers they may share in the work of 
sending the gospel to the lands beyond the 

III 



Book of Church Services 

sea, that the whole world may be brought 
under the mastery of Christ. 
O Lord, bless our beloved country, and may it 
be so loyal to thee, and to the ideals of 
liberty, of justice, of fraternity, and of 
service, that it shall increasingly prosper, 
and be a blessing to the whole world. And 
to thee, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, will 
we ascribe all the glory. Amen. 

OFFERTORY. 

^ An offering may he made for home missionary work in our 
country. 

If While the offering is being taken the choir may render an 
appropriate 

ANTHEM. 

If After which may be given the 

SERMON OR ADDRESS. 

^ // preferred, there may he given several brief addresses or 
papers, referring to the various phases of Home Missioji- 
ary work; such as 
The Problems of the City Church 
The Problems of the Country Church 
• New Americans from otJier lands 
The Church in the Mining Camp 
The Temple Builders 
A Home for the Minister 
Home Missionary Wives and Children 
Spiritual Harvests to save our Country 

^ // preferred, there may he presented a Home Missionary 
pageant 

THE CLOSING HYMN 

•i" One of the following may he used, if desired: 

" Where cross the crowded ways of life." 
" Sing we of the golden city." 
" March on, march on, ye soldiers true." 
" Work for the night is coming." 
"Hark! the song of jubilee." 

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Home Missionary Service 

If Then may the congregation he seated, with bowed heads, 
during 

THE CLOSING PRAYER and 

THE BENEDICTION 

Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding 
abundantly above all that we ask or think, 
according to the power that worketh in us; 
unto Him be glory and dominion in the 
church by Christ Jesus, throughout all 
ages, world without end. Amen. 

ORGAN POSTLUDE. 



XI3 



AN ORDER FOR A FOREIGN 
MISSIONARY SERVICE 

ORGAN PRELUDE. 

OPENING HYMN. 

H This may be a Processional^ if desired. One of the follow- 
ing hymns may he used: 

** Lift up your heads, rejoice." 

** Joy to the world, the Lord is come." 

" Rejoice, rejoice, believers." 

" Father, let Thy Kingdom come." 

*' From the Eastern Mountains." 

INVOCATION. 

1[ The minister or leader may use his own words, or, if he 
prefers, he may use the following: 

Father in heaven, who dost love all thy children 
everywhere, and didst send thy Son to seek 
and to save the lost, fill us with thine own 
deep desire for the salvation of all men. 
As the Master sent forth his disciples to 
tell the story of redeeming love to all the 
nations, so may we feel that we should send 
the message of the gospel to all on earth. 
Bless us as we consider today the work of 
thy kingdom, and fill us with joy by the 
promise of its final victory everywhere; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

All Uniting 

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be 
thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will 
be done in earth as it is in heaven. Give 
us this day our daily bread. And forgive 

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Foreign Missionary Service 

us our debts as v/e forgive our debtors. 
And lead us not into temptation, but de- 
liver us from evil. For thine is the king- 
dom, and the power, and the glory, forever. 

Amen. 

HYMN. 

% One of the following may he used, if desired: 

** Go labor on; spend and be spent." 
** He that goeth forth with weeping." 
** Who is on the Lord's side." 
** Lord, what offering shall we bring." 

RESPONSIVE READING. 

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, 
All power is given unto me in heaven and in 
earth. 

Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing 
them in the name of the Father, and of the 
Son, and of the Holy Spirit; teaching them 
to observe all things whatsoever I have 
commanded you: 
And, lo, I am with you always, even unto the 
end of the world. (Matt. 28 : 18-20.) 

And being assembled together with them, he 
commanded them that they should not 
depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the 
promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye 
have heard of me. 
For John truly baptized with water ; but ye shall 
be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many 
days hence. 

Ye shall receive power after that the Holy Spirit 
is come upon you: 
And ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jeru- 
salem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, 

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Book of CJiiircIi Services 

and unto the uttermost part of the earth. 

(Acts 1 :4, 5, 8.) 

Or this: 

Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy 
righteousness unto the king's son. 
He shall judge thy people with righteousness, 
and thy poor with judgment. 
The mountains shall bring peace to the people; 

And the little hills, by righteousness. 
He shall judge the poor of the people; 

He shall save the children of the needy, and 
shall break in pieces the oppressor. 
They shall fear thee as long as the sun and moon 
endure, throughout all generations. 
He shall come down as rain upon the mown 
grass : as showers that water the earth. 
In his days shall the righteous flourish; 
And abundance of peace so long as the moon 
endureth. 
He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, 

And from the river unto the ends of the earth. 
They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow be- 
fore him: 
And his enemies shall lick the dust. 
The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring 
presents : 
The kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer 
gifts. 
Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: 

All nations shall serve him. 
For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth ; 
The poor, also, and him that hath no helper. 
He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save 
the souls of the needy. 
He shall redeem their soul from deceit and vio- 

ii6 



Foreign Missionary Service 

lence ; and precious shall their blood be in 
his sight. 

And he shall live, and to him shall be given of 
the gold of Sheba: 
Prayer also shall be made for him continually; 
and daily shall he be praised. 
There shall be an handful of corn in the earth 
upon the top of the mountains ; 
The fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon ; 
And they of the city shall flourish like grass cf 
the earth. 
His name shall endure forever; 

His name shall be continued as long as the sun. 
And men shall be blessed in him ; 

All nations shall call him blessed. 
Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who 
only doeth wondrous things. 
And blessed be his glorious name forever: 
And let the whole earth be filled with his glory. 
Amen and Amen. (Psalm 72.) 

1[ Then let all the people sing the 
GLORIA PATRI. 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to 
the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, 
is now, and ever shall be, world without 
end. Amen, 

THE SCRIPTURE LESSON. 

\ Appropriate passages are Ps. 107 : 1-16; Acts 11 : 1-18; 
IS : U-52; 16 : 9-40; Rom, 1 : 1-16; Rev. 21 : 1-7, 

21-27. 

PRAYER. 

1[ The minister or leader may use his own form of words, or, 
if he wishes, may use the following: 

Almighty and Most Merciful God, in whose 



Book of Church Scnices 

hands are all the ends of the earth, send 
forth thy Ught and thy truth into all the 
world. Win back thine own by the gracious 
power of thy Spirit working through the 
heralds of the Cross who carr\' the good 
news of Christ and his redemption. Pro- 
tect the messengers of grace amid the 
dangers and dithculties that may confront 
them. Give them strength and skill and 
courage in their work. Bless those who 
work in distant and dimculr mission fields 
that the power of the gospel may make this 
a Christian world. Crown their labors 
with abundant success. Speed Thou the 
time when the earth shall be tilled with 
the knowledge of God as the waters cover the 
sea, when Christ shall rule in every^ heart 
and home, and when in the world-wide 
triumph of his redeeming grace the King- 
dom of heaven shall have fully come on 
earth: through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 

^ One of the other prayers in this book may be used, if desired. 

f Then may aU unite in singing a 

HYMN. 

% One of the foUouing may be used: 

" Fling out the banner, let it float.** 

" Ye Christian heralds, go proclaim." 

" Hark! the voice of Jesus calling/' 

" God's trumpet wakes the slumbering world." 

** Thy Kingdom come: on bended knee." 

ADDRESS OR EXERCISE. 

•" T ''>: zddress may be by the pastor; or addresses may be made 
:;. returned missionaries, or by representatives of mis- 
sionary societies; or by those who have made a special 

Ii8 



Foreign Missionary Service 

study of some phase of missionary work; or the exercise 
may he ".4 Tour Around the World,'' illustrated with 
stereopticon views {the slides for which are furnished 
by missionary societies); or it may be a dialogue or other 
exercise, vividly setting forth the progress of the Kingdom 
of Christ. 

HYMN. 

T[ One of the following may he used: 

" O Zion, haste, thy mission high fulfilling." 

*' O brothers, lift your voices." 

'* Jesus shall reign wher'er the sun." 

** Hail to the brightness of Zion's glad morning." 

** Hark! the song of jubilee." 

If Then may the minister conclude the service with the 

PRAYER and 

BENEDICTION. 

Now unto the God of all grace, who hath called 
us unto His eternal glory, by Christ Jesus, 
be glory and dominion for ever and ever. 

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the 
love of God, and the communion of the 
Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen, 

ORGAN POSTLUDE. 



119 



A SERVICE OF PATRIOTISM 

ORGAN PRELUDE. 

PROCESSIONAL OR INTRODUCTORY HYMN. 

\\ One of the following may he used, if desired: 

" God of our Fathers, whose almighty hand." 

" Our God, our help in ages past." 

'* O beautiful for spacious skies." 

" O God, beneath thy guiding hand." 

INVOCATION. 

H The minister may use his own words, or, if he prefers, the 
following: 

Almighty God, who didst lead our fathers to 
these shores that they might lay here the 
foundations of civil and religious liberty, 
bless to us the glorious heritage of faith and 
freedom which we have received from them. 
Preserve thou the nation which was estab- 
lished by their prayers, their heroic deeds, 
and their sacrifices. Help us to be true 
to the great ideals for which they stood, 
and may our country ever be the home of 
justice, liberty, and true brotherhood. De- 
fend it against every peril, and may it be 
increasingly a blessing to all the world; 
which we ask in the name of him who has 
taught us to pray, saying: 

^ All uniting 

Our Father, who art In heaven, hallowed be thy 
name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be 
done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us 
this day our daily bread. And forgive us 
our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And 

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A Service of Patriotism 

lead us not into temptation, but deliver 
us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, 
and the power, and the glory, forever. 

Amen. 

A HYMN OF PATRIOTISM. 

^ This may he an appropriate anthem^ if desired. 

1[ Or one of the following hymns may he used: 

* * Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.** 

** Lord, while for all mankind we pray." 

" Dear Land of Liberty, hope of the world." 

" O Lord of hosts, Almighty King." 

RESPONSIVE READING 

O give thanks unto the Lord ; call upon his name ; 
make known his deeds among the people. 
Remember his marvelous works that he hath 
done ; talk ye of all his wondrous works. 
When our fathers were but few in number, yea, 
very few, and strangers in the land. 
When they went from one nation to another, 
from one kingdom to another people; 
He suffered no man to do them wrong; yea, he 
reproved kings for their sakes; 
Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my 
prophets no harm. 
And he increased his people greatly; and made 
them stronger than their enemies. 
And he brought forth his people with joy, and 
his chosen with gladness. 
Marvelous things did he in the sight of our fathers. 
He divided the sea, and caused them to pass 
through. 
In the daytime he led them with a cloud, and all 
the night with a light of fire. 
He clave the rocks in the wilderness, and gave 
them drink as out otthe great depths. 

121 



Book of Church Services 

He made his people to go forth Hke sheep, and 

guided them in the wilderness like a flock. 
And he led them on safely, so that they 

feared not. 
Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and 

thou didst deliver them. 
They cried unto thee, and were delivered : they 

trusted in thee, and were not confounded. 
So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will 

give thee thanks forever : we will show forth 

thy praise to all generations. 
Blessed be the Lord God from everlasting to 

everlasting: and let all the people say, 

Amen. 
Praise ye the Lord. 
% Then may he sung the 
GLORIA PATRI. 

PRAYER — A LITANY FOR OUR COUNTRY. 
If The people seated^ with bowed heads, and responding. 
1[ The minister and people may use the followifig: 

God of all mercy and might, who resistest the 
proud and givest grace to the humble, 
who judgest the nations and who dost not 
willingly afflict the children of men; 
Have mercy upon us and hear our prayers. 

For our forgetfulness of thee and our lack of 
trust in thy power, for the hard heart and 
the rebellious brow; for all arrogance 
and self-sufficiency, for our selfish comfort 
among the wrongs and sorrows of men, 
for our ignorance and indifference concern- 
ing the lot of others, for the love of ease and 
pleasure that has blinded our eyes: 
Forgive us, O God. 

122 



A Service of Patriotism 

From all blindness of heart, from pride, vain- 
glory, hatred and all uncharitableness, 
from contempt and cruelty, from unbelief 
and despair: 
Good Lord, deliver us. 

For the President and the Congress, and the 
people of this nation ; and for the people of 
all the world ; for all soldiers and sailors , that 
they may be brave, chivalrous and pure, 
gentle in victory, patient under reverses, and 
saved from all perils to their souls ; that thou 
wouldst comfort all that are in anxiety or 
sorrow, cheer the sick and wounded, and 
show thyself in love to the dying, 
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. 

For all who wait and watch at home; for those 
who are anxious for their loved ones; for 
the homes that are bereaved and those who 
are left desolate; for all who minister to 
the body and bring comfort to the soul; 
for all doctors, nurses and chaplains, that 
they may be sustained and directed by 
thee; for all who fight against poverty and 
pain; for all who attempt to alleviate dis- 
tress of body or soul ; for all who seek to pro- 
tect the poor and inspire the people with faith ; 
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. 

O thou Son of Man, who biddest us to pray for 
our enemies, and to forgive lest we be un- 
f or given, we pray for all who are turned to 
be our enemies; 
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. 

We beseech thee to hear us, O Lord God, on 
behalf of thy Church, that thou wilt reveal 
to her thy will ; and that thou wilt give her 
power to lead the world to Christ. For 

123 



Book of Church Services 

the unrealized brotherhood of humanity: 
for the salvation of the people from in- 
justice, oppression and war; for the hasten- 
ing of thy kingdom on the earth : 
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord. 
Almighty and gracious God, who rulest all things, 
we pray Thee so to direct us that righteous- 
ness shall prevail and that the peace of the 
world may be established on a sure and 
lasting foundation. Make bare thy holy 
arm in the eyes of all the nations, and let 
all the ends of the earth see the salvation 
of our God through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 
Amen. 

[* ^ Then^ if deemed appropriate, may he given the 

SALUTE TO THE FLAG. 

If Let all the people rise and salute the Flag, and stand at 
attention while they repeat together the following: 

Flag of our country! we salute thee as the sym- 
bol of liberty and justice, equal rights and 
universal brotherhood; and we pledge to 
thee and to our Republic our love, our 
loyalty, and our unfaltering devotion! 

If Then let all the people sing the first and last verses of 
**THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER" 
(Key of A). 

O say, can you see by the dawn's early light 

What so proudly we hailed at the twiHght's last gleaming, 

Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous 

fight 
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming? 
And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, 
Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there. 
O say, does the Star-spangled Banner yet wave 
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave? 

* optional, and may be omitted if desired. 

124 



A Service of Patriotism 

O thus be it ever where free men shall stand 
Between their loved homes and the war's desolation ; 
Blest with victory and peace, may the Heaven-rescued land 
Praise the Power that made and preserved us a nation. 
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, 
And this be our motto, ** In God is our trust. " 
And the Star-spangled Banner in triumph shall wave 
O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave ! 

ADDRESS. 

H There may he one or more addresses. 

HYMN. 

H One of the following may he used: 

** God of our fathers, known of old," 

" Faith of our fathers, living still." 

** Lord of our life, and God of our salvation." 

" Not alone for mighty empire." 

** O Lord our God, thy mighty hand." 

OFFERTORY. 

^ An offering may he taken for the Red Cross or for the relief 
of those in distress, 

CLOSING HYMN. 

If Let all the people rise and sing, 

" AMERICA " 

My Country! 'tis of thee, 
Sweet land of liberty. 

Of thee I sing; 
Land where my fathers died! 
Land of the Pilgrims' pride! 
From every mountain side 

Let freedom ring! 

My native country, thee. 
Land of the noble, free. 

Thy name I love: 
I love thy rocks and rills, 
Thy woods and templed hills; 
My heart with rapture thrills 

Like that above. 

125 



I 



Book of Church Services 

Let music swell the breeze, 
And ring from all the trees 

Sweet freedom's song; 
Let mortal tongues awake ; 
Let all that breath partake; 
Let rocks their silence break, 

The sound prolong. 

Our fathers' God to thee, 
Author of liberty, 

To thee we sing : 
Long may our land be bright 
With freedom's holy light; 
Protect us by thy might. 

Great God, our King! 

1[ Then may the minister give the 
BENEDICTION. 

Now unto him who is able to keep us from fall- 
ing, and to present us faultless before the 
presence of his glory with exceeding joy; 
to the only wise God our Saviour be glory 
and majesty, dominion and power, both 
now and ever. Amen, 



126 



A FOREFATHERS' DAY SERVICE 

ORGAN PRELUDE. 

PROCESSIONAL OR INTRODUCTORY HYMN. 

^ One of the following may be used, if desired: 

** Our God, our help In ages past." 

** A mighty fortress is our God." 

" God's trumpet wakes a slumbering world." 

" Through the night of doubt and sorrow." 

** Faith of our fathers, living still." 

INVOCATION. 

If The minister may use his own words, or the following, if he 
prefers: 

God of our fathers, whose presence and power 
have been made manifest in every age, and 
whose Providence has directed the upward 
march of human history through the cen- 
turies, we give thanks to thee for those 
heroic men who dared danger and hardship, 
persecution and death, that they might 
win for themselves and for the world liberty 
of conscience and freedom to worship God. 
Thou didst guide them through stormy 
seas to their new home in the wilderness. 
Thou didst help them to plant upon these 
shores the seeds of civil and religious liberty, 
whose harvest is our great Republic. In 
the midst of perils thou didst protect them, 
and in their efforts to secure equal rights 
for all men thou didst direct them. We 
thank thee for this nation which they made 
possible, in which shine forth their ideals 
of fraternity, justice, and democracy. May 
we be true to the faith of our fathers. May 

127 



Book of Church Services 

their heroic spirit, their devotion to truth, 
their loyalty to thee, and their love of 
liberty abide in us. May our country be a 
blessing to all the peoples of the earth as it 
illustrates these ideals, till at last all the 
world shall be free, and all mankind shall 
be one great brotherhood. Amen. 

•y Then let the minister and people unite in 
THE LORD'S PR^WER. 

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be 
thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy 
will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 
Give us this day our daily bread. And 
forgive us our debts, as we forgive our 
debtors. And lead us not into temptation, 
but deliver us from evil. For thine is the 
kingdom, and the power, and the glory, 
forever. Amen. 

ANTHEM OR A CONGREGATIONAL HYMN. 

^ An appropriate anthem may be sung, or if preferred one of 
the following hymns may be used. 

** Lord, while for all mankind we pray." 
" O Lord of Hosts, Almighty King." 
" O beautiful, my country." 
" From ocean unto ocean." 

RESPONSIVE READING. 

Blessed be thou, O Lord, the God of our fathers, 

forever and forever. 
Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, 

and the glory, and the victory, and the 

majesty. 
For all that is in the heavens and in the earth is 

thine; 
Thine is the Kingdom, O Lord, and thou art 

exalted as head above all. 

128 



A Forefathers' Day Service 

We have heard with our ears, O God, our 
fathers have told us, 
What work thou didst in their days, in the times 
of old ; 
For they got not the land in possession by their 
own sword, neither did their own arm save 
them. 
But thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light 
of thy countenance, because thou hadst 
a favor unto them. 
We will not hide these things from our children, 
showing to the generations to come the 
praises of the Lord : 
And his strength, and his wonderful works 
that he hath done : 
For he established statutes, and appointed laws, 
which he commanded our fathers to make 
known to their children, that the genera- 
tion to come might know him: 
That they might set their hope in God. 
Happy art thou! who is like unto thee, O people 
saved by the Lord, the shield of thy help! 
He hath not dealt so with any nation. 
God, even our own God, will bless us. 

God will bless us; and all the ends of the 
earth shall fear him. 

GLORIA PATRI. 

SCRIPTURE READING. 

H Appropriate passages are Ex. 13 :3, 9, 21, 22; H :8-29; 
15 :1, 2. Ps, 77 : 11-20. Hebrews 11 : 1,8-10, 24-40- 

PRAYER. 

♦READING — THE PILGRIMS 

1[ Here may be read or sung Mrs. Hemans' poem, 

129 



Book of Churcli Services 

The breaking waves dashed high 

On a stern and rockbound coast, 
And the woods against a stormy sky • 

Their giant branches tossed. 
And the heavy night hung dark 

The hills and waters o'er, 
When a band of exiles moored their bark 

On the wild New^ England shore. 

Not as the conqueror comes, 

They, the true-hearted, came; 
Not with the roll of the stirring drums, 

And the trumpet that sings of fame; 
Not as the flying come. 

In silence and in fear: — 
They shook the depths of the desert gloom 

With their hymns of lofty cheer. 

Amidst the storm they sang. 

And the stars heard, and the sea! 
And the sounding aisles of the dim woods rang 

To the anthem of the free. 
The ocean eagle soared 

From his nest by the white wave's foam, 
And the rocking pines of the forest roared — 

This was their welcome home ! 

What sought they thus afar? 

Bright jewels of the mine? 
The wealth of seas, the spoils of war? — 
. They sought a faith's pure shrine! 
Aye, call it holy ground. 

The soil where first they trod! 
They have left unstained what here they found — 

Freedom to worship God. 

If Then may he read, if desired, stanzas 1, 5, 8, 11, 12, 15, 16 y 
18 of James Russell LowelVs poem, " The Present Crisis,'^ 

HYMN. 

^ One of the following may he used, if desired: 

" O God, beneath thy guiding hand." 

'' Behold a Sower from afar." 

" We limit not the truth of God." 

" God of our fathers, whose almighty hand." 

" At length there dawns the glorious day." 

1^0 



A Forefathers' Day Service 

ADDRESS OR ADDRESSES. 

% There may he an address, or more if desired, in which the 
principles and ideals of the forefathers may he set forth, 
and their heroic service to the world on hehalf of democ- 
racy in church and state may he declared. 

1[ Then may he sung the 

CLOSING HYMN. 

% One of the following may he used, if desired: 

" Our fathers' God, from out whose hand." 
** We are living, we are dweUing." 
** God bless our native land." 
** My country, 'tis of thee." 

T[ Then may the congregation he seated with howed heads, 
during the 

PRAYER aw^ 

BENEDICTION. 

Now unto the blessed and only Potentate, the 
King of kings, and Lord of lords; who only 
hath immortality, dwelling in the light 
which no man can approach unto; whom 
no man hath seen or can see; to him be 
honor and power everlasting. Amen. 

ORGAN POSTLUDE. 



131 



A SERVICE FOR THANKSGIVING DAY 

ORGAN PRELUDE. 

PROCESSIONAL OR INTRODUCTORY HYMN 

^1 One of the following may he usedj if desired: 

" Ancient of Days, who sittest throned In glory." 

" O bless the Lord, my soul." 

" For the beauty of the earth." 

'* Rejoice, ye pure in heart." 

" O Lord of heaven, and earth, and sea." 

CALL TO WORSHIP. 

Let the people praise thee, O Lord; let all the 

people praise thee. 
Sing unto the Lord, bless his name. Show forth 

his salvation from day to day. 
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving and into 

his courts with praise. 

If Then let the whole congregation join in singing 

THE DOXOLOGY. 

" Praise God, from whom all blessings flow. 
Praise him, all creatures here below, 
Praise him above, ye heavenly host. 
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost." 

1[ Then let the congregation he seated, with howed heads, while 
the minister leads them in the 

INVOCATION 

1[ The minister may use his own words, or, if he prefers, the 
following: 

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, from whom 
Cometh every good and perfect gift, let thy 
blessing rest upon us in this festival of 
thanksgiving. We praise thee as the boun- 
tiful benefactor from whose gracious hand 

132 



A Service for Thanksgiving Day 

all our blessings have come. We remember 
thy loving-kindness and tender mercy toward 
us through all the years, and with grateful 
hearts we lift up to thee our songs of joy. 
For all the gifts thou hast bestowed upon 
us, and upon our land, and upon the whole 
family of man, we give thee humble and 
hearty thanks. May we show our grati- 
tude by faithful lives devoted to thy 
service; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen, 

THE LORD'S PRAYER. 

Our Father, who art In heaven, hallowed be 
thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy 
will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 
Give us this day our daily bread. And 
forgive us our debts as we forgive our 
debtors. And lead us not into temptation, 
but deliver us from evil. For thine is the 
kingdom, and the power and the glory, 
forever. Amen, 

HYMN. 

If One of the following may he used, if desired: 
" Come, ye thankful people, come." 
'* We plough the fields and scatter." 
" Praise to God, immortal praise." 

RESPONSIVE READING. 

Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Zion; 

And unto thee shall the vow be performed. 
O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all 
flesh come. 
As for our transgressions, thou wilt forgive 
them. 
Blessed is the man whom thou dost choose and 
causest to approach unto thee, 

133 



Book of Church Services 

That he may dwell in thy courts: 

We shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy 

house, 
Even of thy holy temple. 
By terrible things in righteousness wilt thou 

answer us, 
O God of our salvation ; 
Thou that art the confidence of all the ends of 

the earth, 
And of them that are afar off upon the sea ; 
Who by his strength setteth fast the mountains, 

Being girded about with might; 
Who stilleth the roaring of the seas, 

The roaring of their waves, and the tumult of 
the people. 
They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are 
afraid at thy tokens: 
Thou makest the outgoings of the morning and 
evening to rejoice. 
Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it, thou 
greatly enrichest it ; 
The river of God is full of water : 
Thou providest them grain, when thou hast so 
prepared the earth, thou waterest its fur- 
rows abundantly. 
Thou settlest the ridges thereof; thou makest 
it soft with showers; thou blessest the 
springing thereof. 
Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; 
and thy paths drop fatness, 
They drop upon the pastures of the wilder- 
ness, and the hills are girded with joy. 
The pastures are clothed with flocks ; the valleys 
also are covered over with grain ; 
They shout for joy, they also sing. 

% Then let all the people sing tJie 



A Service for Thanksgiving Day 

GLORIA PATRL 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to 
the Holy Ghost. As it was In the beginning, 
is now, and ever shall be, world without end. 
Amen. 

SCRIPTURE READING. 

H Appropriate passages are Ps, 107 : 1-22; Ps, 95; Ps, 146; 
Ps. U7; Ps. 148; Is. 62; 54: 11-17; Rev. 5. 

1[ Then may he sung by the choir an appropriate 

THANKSGIVING ANTHEM. 

If This may he a '' Te Deum,''^ or ^^ Jubilate Deo,'' or other 
suitable anthem y such as: 

** Ye shall dwell in the land '' (Stainer); 
" O Lord, how manifold are thy works," (Barnby) ; 
** God is love; his mercy brightens " (Shelley); 
** I will mention the loving-kindness " (Sullivan). 

THE PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING. 

1[ The minister may use his own words, or, if he prefers, the 
following: 

O Lord, our God, the Giver of all good, we bless 
thee for thy never failing mercy. Thou 
hast opened thy hand and hast supplied all 
our wants. Thou hast loaded us with 
benefits so that our cup runneth over. 
Under thy smile we have had days of joy 
and prosperity; and in the time of distress 
thou hast upheld us, and made light to 
arise upon us when we were in darkness. 
We give thanks to thee for all the blessings 
we have received, for all thy promises, and 
all our hopes of good to come. We mag- 
nify and praise thy glorious name, O Lord 
God Almighty, for all thy goodness to us.^ 

1 Scotch Book of Common Order. 

135 



Book of Church Services 

Blessed be Thou, Father of all mercy, who dost 
continually pour thy benefits upon us. 
Age after age the living wait upon thee, and 
find that of thy faithfulness there is no end, 
and that thy care is unfailing and unweary- 
ing. We praise thee that the mystery by 
which we are encompassed is a mystery of 
Infinite Goodness. 

We praise thee for the order and constancy of 
nature; for the beauty and bounty of the 
world; for day and night, summer and 
winter; seedtime and harvest; for the 
varied gifts of loveliness and use which every 
season brings. We give thee thanks for 
all the comfort and joy of life, for our homes 
and all our home blessings; for our friends 
and all the pure pleasure of social life; for 
the love, and sympathy, and good will of 
men. 

We thank thee for all the work we are enabled 
to do, and the truth we are permitted to 
learn ; for whatever of good there has been 
in our past lives, and for all the hopes and 
aspirations which lead us on toward better 
things. We praise thee for all the blessings 
of civilization, wise government, and just 
legislation; for the land in which we live, 
with its great ideals of liberty and brother- 
hood; for education, and all the blessings 
we enjoy through literature, art and science. 

We thank thee for all true knowledge of thee 
and the world in which we live, and the life 
of truth and righteousness and Divine 
communion to which thou hast called us; 
for prophets and apostles, and all earnest 
seekers after truth; for all lovers and 

136 



A Service for Thanksgiving Day 

helpers of mankind, and for all godly and 
gifted men and women. We thank thee 
for the gift of thy Son, Jesus Christ, and all 
the helps and hopes which are ours as his 
disciples; for the inspiration of thy Holy 
Spirit ; for communion with thee the Father 
of our spirits; and for the light and peace 
which come through trust and obedience. 

We acknowledge as the gift of thy love all the 
discipline of life; the tasks and trials by 
which we are trained to patience, self- 
knowledge and self -conquest, and brought 
into closer sympathy with our suffering 
brethren; the troubles which have lifted 
us nearer thee and drawn us into deeper 
fellowship with Jesus Christ. We praise 
thee for the sacred and tender ties which 
bind us to the unseen world; for the faith 
which dispels the shadows of earth, and 
fills the saddest and the last moments of 
life with the light of an immortal hope. 

God of all grace, we have praised thee with our 
lips ; grant that we may also praise thee in 
consecrated and faithful lives. Amen} 

THE THANKSGIVING OFFERING, 

^ A thanksgiving offering may he made for the benefit of 
some local or public charity. 

^ Then let all the congregation sing 

A HYMN. 

1[ One of the following may be used, if desired: 

** Once more the liberal year laughs out.*' 
** Again the joy of harvest." 
" Praise the Lord, his glories show." 
** The God of harvest praise." 

1 John Hunter. 

137 



Book of Church Services 

Tf Then may follow 

THE SERMON. 

T[ After the sermon let the congregation rise and sing 

THE CLOSING HYMN. 

1[ One of the following may he used, if desired: 

** Now thank we all our God." 
** Angels holy, high and lowly." 
** O beautiful, my country." 
" My country, 'tis of thee." 

If Then let the people he seated^ with howed heads, while the 
minister leads them in 

THE CLOSING PRAYER, and 

THE BENEDICTION 

Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power be 
unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and 
unto the Lamb forever and ever. 

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the 
love of God, and the communion of the 
Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen, 

ORGAN POSTLUDE. 



138 



AN ORDER FOR A 
CHRISTMAS SERVICE 

ORGAN PRELUDE. 

OPENING HYMN. 

% This may be a Processional Hymn, if desired. 

If Congregation standing and singing. 

T[ One of the following hymns may be used: 

" O come, all ye faithful." 

** Joy to the world! the Lord is come." 

** Hark! the herald angels sing." 

1[ Then may the minister give 
THE CALL TO WORSHIP. 

O sing unto the Lord a new song. Sing unto 

the Lord all the earth. 
Sing unto the Lord, bless his name; show forth 

his salvation from day to day. 
O give thanks unto the Lord ; for he is good ; for 

his loving-kindness endure th forever. 

H Then let choir and congregation sing 

A HYMN OF CHRISTMAS JOY. 

If One of the following may be used, if desired: 

** It came upon the midnight clear." 

** Brightest and best of the sons of the morning." 

" Hark! what mean those holy voices." 

" While shepherds watched their flocks by night." 

^ Then let the people be seated with bowed heads, while the 
minister offers 

THE INVOCATION. 

If He may use his own form of words, or, if he prefers, the fol- 
lowing : 

139 



Book of Church Services 

Almighty God, who by the birth of Thy Son 
hast given us a great Light to dawn upon 
our darkness; grant, we pray Thee, that in 
His hght we may see Hght. Let the hght 
of Christ search our souls and scatter our 
darkness. Let it shine more and more 
throughout the world unto the perfect day; 
and give us grace w^hile we have the light 
to walk in the light, that we may be the 
children of light. Amen} 

TI Then let the minister and people join in 
THE LORD'S PRAYER. 

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy 
name. Thy kingdom come. Thy w^ill be 
done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us 
this day our daily bread. And forgive us 
our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And 
lead us not into temptation, but deliver us 
from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and 
the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. 

H Then may the choir sing 

THE ANTHEM. 

If One of the following may he used^ or any other anthem of 
Christmas praise: 

* * Sing and re j oice . " ( J . Bamby ) ; 

"There were shepherds." (C. Vincent); 

** Behold, I bring you good tidings." (J. Goss and W. H. 

Gill); 
" Let us now go even unto Bethlehem." (E. J. Hopkins) ; 
" Arise, shine, for thy light is come." (G. J, Elvey). 

fl Then may follow the 

RESPONSIVE READING. 

Arise! Shine! for thy Light is come, 

And the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. 

^ John Hunter. 

140 



An Order for a Christmas Service 

Upon thee will the Lord rise, 

And His glory shall be seen upon thee. 
Awake, awake! put on thy strength, O Zion, 
Put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, 
the holy city. 
Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste 
places of Jerusalem ; 
For the Lord hath comforted his people ; 
He hath redeemed Jerusalem. 
The Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the 
eyes of all the nations, 
And all the ends of the earth shall see the 
salvation of our God. 
The people that walked in darkness have seen a 
great light. 
They that dwell in the land of the shadow 
of death, upon them hath the light shined. 
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given. 
And the government shall be upon his shoulder. 
And his name shall be called Wonderful, Coun- 
sellor, 
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of 
Peace. 
Of the increase of his government and of peace 
there shall be no end. 
Upon the throne of David and upon his kingdom. 
To establish it and to uphold it with justice and 
with righteousness. 
From henceforth and forever. 
Sing, O heavens, and be joyful, O earth, and 
break forth into singing, O mountains! 
For the Lord hath comforted his people, 
and will have compassion on his afflicted. 

T[ Then may be sung by all the 
GLORIA PATRI. 

141 



Book of Church Services 

II Then may the minister read the 

SCRIPTURE LESSON. 

^ Appropriate passages are Matt. 1 : 18-25; 2 : 1-12; Luke 
2 : 1-20; John 1 : 1-18. 

If Then may follow ^ if desired^ the 

SECOND ANTHEM. 

If Appropriate anthems are 

*' Sing, O heavens." (J. Barnby); . 

" Hallelujah! for unto us a child is born." (W. H. 

Monk); 
" Sing and rejoice." (V. Novello); 
" Cradled all lowly." (C. Gounod). 

If Then may the minister offer the 

PRAYER. 

^ This may he followed hy a brief 

ORGAN RESPONSE. 

If Then may the Christmas offerings he given in the 

OFFERTORY 

If The choir, or the choir and congregation, may sing a suitahle 
anthem, or a solo may he sung while the offerings are 
being gathered. 

^ Then may all the people sing a 

CHRISTMAS HYMN. 

K One of the following may be used, if desired: 

" O little town of Bethlehem." 
** Joy fills our inmost hearts today." 
" Angels from the world of glory." 
** From the eastern mountains." 

If Then may follow the 
SERMON. 

^ Then may all the people sing a 
HYMN. 

Tf One of the following may be used, if desired: 

142 



An Order for a Christmas Service 

" All hail the power of Jesus* name." 
** Crown him with many crowns." 
" As with gladness men of old." 
** Rejoice, rejoice, believers." 

1[ Or if convenient the choir and congregation may sing **The 
Hallelujah Chorus '^ from Handel's ^* Messiah/' 

^ Then let the people he seated^ with bowed heads, while the 
minister leads them in 

THE CLOSING PRAYER. 

Almighty God, who makest us glad with the re- 
membrance of the birth of thy Son, Jesus 
Christ; grant that as we joyfully receive 
him for our Redeemer, we may worthily 
serve him and grow into his likeness day 
by day; and that receiving his grace we 
may be welcomed by him at last into his 
kingdom of glory. Amen. 

BENEDICTION. 

Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power be 
unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and 
unto the Lamb forever and ever. 

And may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, 
and the love of God, and the communion 
of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen. 

If Then let the choir sing 
THE SEVENFOLD AMEN. 
ORGAN POSTLUDE. 



143 



AN ORDER FOR AN EASTER SERVICE 

ORGAN PRELUDE. 
OPENING HYMN. 

H This may be a Processional Hymn, if desired, 
II Then may the minister give the 
CALL TO WORSHIP 

O come, let us sing unto the Lord; let us make a 
joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation. 
Let us come before His presence with thanks- 
giving, and make a joyful noise unto Him 
with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, 
and a great King above all gods. 

K Let the congregation stand and sing. 

T One of the following hymns may he used: 

" Hall the day that sees Him rise." 

" The day of resurrection." 

** Christ is risen ! Alleluia." 

" Come ye faithful, raise the strain." 

If Then let all the people join in singing 

THE DOXOLOGY. 

** Praise God, from whom all blessings flow. 
Praise Him, all creatures here below. 
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host, 
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost." 

^ // preferred the choir may sing an Easter anthem instead 
of the Doxology, 

^ One of the following may he used, if desired: 

** He is risen." (Henry Gadsby) . 
" Christ is risen from the dead." (Thomas Smith). 
"The Lord is my strength." (V. Novello; W. H. Monk). 
"Christ being raised." (W. H.Monk; W. H.Gill). 

144 



An Order for an Easter Service 

^ Then may the minister offer the 

INVOCATION 

Almighty God, who hast brought again from the 
dead our Lord Jesus, the Prince of Life, 
giving Him victory over death and the 
grave; grant us power, we beseech Thee, 
to rise with Him to newness of life, that we 
may overcome the world with the victory 
of faith, and have part at last in the resur- 
rection of the just; through the grace of 
that risen Saviour, who liveth and reigneth 
with Thee, world without end. Amen,^ 

^ Then let all the people unite in 

THE LORD'S PRAYER. 

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be 
thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy 
will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 
Give us this day our daily bread. And 
forgive us our debts, as we forgive our 
debtors. And lead us not into temptation, 
but deliver us from evil. For thine is the 
kingdom, and the power, and the glory, 
forever. Amen. 

^ Then let all the people join in a Hymn of Easter Joy, 

^ One of the following may be usedj if desired: 

" Christ the Lord is risen again." 
** Welcome, happy morning." 
** On wings of living light." 
** Angels, roll the rock away." 

H Then may the minister lead the people in the 

RESPONSIVE READING 

1 Scotch Book of Common Order. 

145 



Book of Church Services 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, who, according to his great mercy, 
hath begotten us again unto a hving hope 
by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from 
the dead : 
Unto an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, 
and that fadeth not away, reserved in 
heaven for us. 
Now is Christ risen from the dead, and become 
the first fruits of them that sleep. 
For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall 
all be made alive. 
For we know that if the earthly house of this 
tabernacle be dissolved, we have a building 
from God, 
A house not made with hands, eternal in the 
heavens. 
Wherefore we faint not; for though our outer 
man is decaying, 
Day by day our inward man is renewed. 
For our light affliction, which is but for the 
moment, worketh for us more and more ex- 
ceedingly an eternal weight of glory; 
While we look not at the things which are seen, 
but at the things which are not seen. 
For the things which aje seen are temporal, 

But the things which are not seen are eternal. 
Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord from 
henceforth ; 
Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from 
their labors; and their works do follow 
them. 
They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any 
more; 
Neither shall the sun strike upon them, nor any 
heat; 

146 



An Order for an Easter Service 

For the Lamb that is in the midst of the throne 
shall be their shepherd, 
And guide them to fountains of living water ; 
And God himself shall be with them, and his 
servants shall serve him, 
And they shall see his face : 
And his name shall be in their foreheads ; 
And God shall wipe away all tears from their 
eyes. 

1[ Then shall be sung by all the 

GLORIA PATRI. 

If Then may the minister read the 

SCRIPTURE LESSON. 

1[ Appropriate passages are I Cor. 15 : 12-28; I Cor. 16 : 
35-68; John 20 : 1-18; Luke 24 : 1-12; Matt. 28 : 1- 
20; Col. 3 :1-17; Rev. 21 : 1-7, 21-27. 

1[ Then may the choir sing an 

EASTER ANTHEM. 

T One of the following may be used, if desired: 

** Christ is risen from the dead." (G. J. Elvey; J. Goss; 

Thomas Smith) ; 
** Christ our Passover." (J. Goss) ; 
"Jesus Christ is risen today." (V. Novello); 
** Why seek ye the living among the dead." (E. J. 

Hopkins). 

If Then may the minister lead the people in 
PRAYER. 

^ This may be followed by a brief 

ORGAN RESPONSE. 

If Then may the people give their Easter Offerings in the 

OFFERTORY. 

If While the offerings are being gathered there may be sung 

147 



Book of Church Services 

" I know that my Redeemer liveth," from Handel's 
** Messiah "; or 

" Lift your glad voices in triumph on high," 

H Or any other suitable Easter Song. 

1[ After the reception of the offering let all the people sing a 

HYMN OF EASTER PRAISE. 

% One of the following may he used if desired: 

" Christ is risen! Christ is risen! " 

** The strife is o'er." 

" Jesus Christ is risen today." 

** O sons and daughters, let us sing." 

1[ Then may follow the 

SERMON. 

1[ Then let the people sing the 

CLOSING HYMN. 

H This may he a Recessional Hymn, if desired. 

1[ One of the following may he usedy if desired: 

** I know that my Redeemer lives." 
"Jesus lives! thy terrors now." 
** Hosanna to the living Lord! " 
" All hail the power of Jesus' name." 

^ Then let the people he seated, with bowed heads , while. the 
minister leads them in the 

CLOSING PRAYER. 

Almighty God, by whose power thy Son Jesus 
Christ overcame death, and became the 
Life and Light of our undying souls ; merci- 
fully grant that we may purify ourselves 
even as he is pure, and that we may seek 
ever to do thy holy will. Help us to rise 
above the earthly to the heavenly; with 
Christ dying unto sin, and living only unto 
thee; that from the light of a true life 

148 



An Order for an Easter Service 

here we may pass at length into that 
Presence where there is fullness of joy and 
peace forever. Amen,^ 

BENEDICTION. 

Now unto Him who hath brought Life and Im- 
mortality to light, and hath made us more 
than conquerors over fear and death, be 
glory and honor and power forever. 

And may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, 
the love of God, and the communion of 
the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen. 

If Then let the choir sing 
THE SEVENFOLD AMEN. 
ORGAN POSTLUDE. 

1 John Hunter. 



149 



AN ORDER FOR A MARRIAGE SERVICE 

I 

•^ Before the marrmge ceremony tJie miiiister sJiall ascertain 
whether those -dAshing to he married have fulfilled the 
requirements of the laiv of the state, by procuring a 
license, or othencise; and he shall assure himself by 
careful inquiry that no legal or moral i?npediment exists 
why they may not lawfully he jained together in matri- 
mony. 

•" The persons to be married having presented themselves be" 
fore the minister, the ynan standing at the right ha?id of 
the woman, the ?ninister shall say: 

Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here 
in the sight of God, and in the presence of 
this company, to join together this man and 
this woman in holy matrimony; which is 
instituted of God, blessed by our Lord Jesus 
Christ, and commended by St. Paul to be 
honorable among all men; and therefore 
is not by any tote entered into unadvisedly 
or lightly; but reverently, discreetly, ad- 
\'isedly, soberly, and in the fear of God. 

Into this holy estate these two persons present 
come now to be joined. If any man can 
show just cause why they may not lawfully 
be joined together, let him now speak, or 
else hereafter forever hold his peace. 

*" If no impediment to the marriage appear, then the minister 

shall say to the man, 

M , wilt thou have this woman to be thy 

wedded wife, to live together after God's 
ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? 
Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor and 

150 



An Order for a Marriage Service 

keep her in sickness and in health; and, 
forsaking all others, keep thee only unto 
her, so long as ye both shall live? 

T[ The man shall answer 

I will. 

H Then shall the minister say to the woman: 

N , wilt thou have this man to be thy wedded 

husband, to live together after God's ordi- 
nance in the holy estate of matrimony? 
Wilt thou love him, comfort him, honor and 
keep him in sickness and in health, and, for- 
saking all others keep thee only unto him, 
so long as ye both shall live? 

If The woTfian shall answer 
I will. 

1[ Then shall the minister say: 

Who giveth this woman to be married to this 
man? 

^ Then the minister^ receiving the woman at her father's or 
friend's handSy shall cause the man with his right hand 
to take the woman by her right hand, and to say after him 
as follows: 

I, M , take thee, N , to be my wedded 

wife, to have and to hold from this day for- 
ward, for better for worse, for richer for 
poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and 
to cherish, till death us do part, accord- 
ing to God's holy ordinance, and thereto I 
plight thee my troth. 

^ Then shall they loose their handSy and the woman with her 
right handy taking the man hy his right handy shall like- 
wise say after the minister y 

I, N , take thee, M , to be my wedded 

husband, to have and to hold from this day 

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Book of Church Services 

forward, for better for worse, for richer for 
poorer, in sickness and in health, to love 
and to cherish, till death us do part, accord- 
ing to God's holy ordinance; and thereto 
I give thee my troth. 

Then shall they again loose their hands; ayid the man shall 
give unto the woman a ring. And the minister taking 
the ring shall deliver it to the man to place it tipon the 
third finger of the woman's left hand. And the man, 
holding the ring there, shall say after the mifiister, 

With this ring I thee wed, in the name of the 
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy 
Spirit. Amen. 

Or this 

This ring I give thee, in token and pledge of our 
constant faith and abiding love. 

If Then the man shall leave the ring upon the third finger of 
the woman's left hand, and the minister shall offer prayer 
using his own words, or if he prefers, the following: 

O eternal God, Creator and Preserver of all 
mankind. Giver of all spiritual grace, the 
Author of everlasting life, send thy blessing 
upon these thy servants, this man and this 
woman, whom we bless in thy name; that 
they may surely perform and keep the vow 
and covenant betwixt them made (whereof 
this ring given and received is a token and 
pledge), and may ever remain in perfect 
love and peace together, and live according 
to thy laws; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy 
name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be 

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An Order for a Marriage Service 

done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us 
this day our daily bread. And forgive us 
our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And 
lead us not into temptation, but deliver us 
from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and 
the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. 

T[ Then shall the minister join their right hands together and 
say: 

Those whom God hath joined together let no 
man put asunder. 

1[ Then shall the minister say unto the company: 

Forasmuch as M and N have consented 

together in holy wedlock, and have wit- 
nessed the same before God and this com- 
pany, and have thereto given and pledged 
their troth, each to the other, and have de- 
clared the same by giving and receiving a 
ring and by joining Itands, I pronounce that 
they are husband and wife, in the name of 
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy 
Spirit. Amen, 

\ Then the minister may add this 

BENEDICTION 

God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy 
Spirit, bless, preserve and keep you; the 
Lord mercifully with his favor look upon 
you, and fill you with all spiritual benedic- 
tion and grace; that ye may so live together 
in this life that in the world to come ye may 
have life everlasting. Amen. 



153 



A BRIEFER MARRIAGE SERVICE 

II 

^ // the wedding is in a house^ and a briefer service is de- 
sired, the minister, having ascertained that all the re- 
quirements of the law of the state have been fulfilled, may 
use the following: 

You have presented yourselves here, dear 
friends, in the sight of God and in the pres- 
ence of these witnesses, to be joined to- 
gether in the bonds of holy matrimony. 
There are no ties on earth so sweet and 
sacred as those you are about to assume. 
There are no vows so solemn as those which 
you are about to make. There is no in- 
stitution on earth so blest of God, and on 
which his smile and benediction so rest as 
that of the Home, which you are about to 
form. 

If it is your deliberate purpose to be united as 
husband and wife you will please join your 
right hands. 

If Their hands being joined, the minister shall say to the man: 

M , wilt thou take this woman whom thou 

dost hold by the hand, choosing her alone 
from all the world, to be thy wedded wife? 
Wilt thou love her and comfort her, support 
and cherish her in sickness and in health, 
in prosperity and adversity, and forsaking 
all others, remain faithful to her as long as 
ye both shall live? 

\ The man shall answer 

I will. 

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A Briefer Marriage Service 

H Then shall the minister say to the woman: 

N , wilt thou take this man whom thou dost 

hold by the hand, choosing him alone from 
all the world, to be thy wedded husband? 
Wilt thou love him and comfort him, honor 
and cherish him, in sickness and in health, 
in sunshine and in storm, and forsaking all 
others, remain faithful to him as long as ye 
both shall live? 

% The woman shall answer 

I will. 

^ Then the minister, receiving from the man a ring^ shall 
cause the man to place it upon the third finger of her left 
handy and to say after the minister: 

With this ring I thee wed, and pledge thee my 
love and loyalty, in the name of the Father, 
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 
Amen, 

If Then shall the minister offer prayer, using his own words, 
or, if he prefers, the following: 

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, bless these 
two who have thus laid hand in hand to 
walk together through this journey of life. 
Abide v/ith them in the home and on the 
way. May each added year be rich with 
new delight in their companionship. Help 
them to be so true to each other and to thee 
that after their earthly service is completed 
they may be welcomed by thee into the 
eternal home; through Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Amen. 

If Then shall the minister join their right hands together and 
say: 

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Book of church Services 

Those whom God hath joined together let no 
man put asunder. 

^ Then shall the minister make the announcement saying: 

Forasmuch as M and N have consented 

together in holy wedlock, and in the pres- 
ence of these witnesses have given and 
plighted their troth, I pronounce that they 
are husband and wife, henceforth in interest 
and destiny, as in affection, one; in the 
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of 
the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

If Then may the minister add this 
BENEDICTION. 

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord 
make his face to shine upon you, and be 
gracious unto you. The Lord lift up his 
countenance upon you and give you peace. 
Amen. 



156 



A SERVICE FOR THE BURIAL OF THE 
DEAD 

•^ When the service is held in the house or in the church, the 
minister may use one or more of these opening sentences: 

I am the resurrection and the life: he that be- 
Heveth in me, though he were dead, yet 
shall he live : and whosoever liveth and be- 
lieveth in me shall never die. '(John 11 : 
25,26.) 

I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He 
shall stand at the latter day upon the earth. 

(Job 19: 25.)^ 
We brought nothing into this world, and it is 
certain we can carry nothing out. The 
Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; 
blessed be the name of the Lord. (1 Tim. 
6 :7. Job. 1 :21.) 

If Then let the minister lead the people in a 

PRAYER OF INVOCATION 

1[ Using his own words, or, if he so desires, one of the follow- 
ing, closing with the Lord's Prayer: 

Almighty God, who art our refuge and strength, 
a very present help in time of trouble, grant 
us thy light to shine through the shadows 
^of this hour. Comfort the hearts that are 
heavy with sorrow, and have compassion 
upon our weakness. Give us the vision of 
the eternal realities, and solace us with the 
hope of larger life beyond; through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen, 

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Book of Church Services 

Or this: 

Eternal and most merciful Father, who through 
thy Son, Jesus Christ, hast brought life 
and immortality to light, turn our sorrow 
into joy with the glad assurance of the life 
eternal. Be thou the stay of those in trial, 
the strength of the fainting heart, and the 
light of the darkened home. Grant us thy 
peace, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, 

Or this: 

Most Holy and Most Merciful God, we give 
thanks unto thee for thine unnumbered 
mercies. Help us to realize that we are 
the children of eternal love, and that al- 
ways underneath us are the everlasting 
arms. We bless thee for all the holy mem- 
ories of the past, and all the sacred hopes 
of the future. We thank thee for the ties 
that bind us to the unseen world, and for 
the dear and holy dead who encompass us 
like a cloud of witnesses, and make heaven 
homelike to our hearts. Strengthen and 
comfort us in this hour, through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen, 

\ Then let all unite in 
THE LORD'S PRAYER 

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy 
name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be 
done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us 
this day our daily bread. And forgive us 
our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And 
lead us not into temptation, but deliver us 
from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and 
the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. 

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A Service for the Burial of the Dead 

If Then^ if desired ^ an appropriate hymn may he sung, 

^ One of the following may he used, if desired 

" One sweetly solemn thought." 
" Asleep in Jesus, blessed sleep." 
" It is not death to die." ^ 
" The sands of time are sinking." 
" Forever with the Lord." 

^ Then may the minister read some of the following passages 
from the Holy Scriptures: 

WORDS OF COMFORT 

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord 
Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the 
God of all comfort; who comforteth us 
in all our tribulation, that we may be able 
to comfort those who are in any trouble 
by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are 
comforted of God. For as the sufferings 
of Christ abound in us, so our consolation 
also aboundeth by Christ. (2 Cor. 1 : 3, 4.) 

For our light .affliction, which is but for a 
moment, worketh for us a far more exceed- 
ing and eternal weight of glory; while we 
look not at the things which are seen, but 
at the things which are not seen; for the 
things which are seen are temporal; but 
the things which are not seen are eternal. 
(2 Cor. 4 : 17, 18.) 

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present 
time are not worthy to be compared with 
the glory which shall be revealed in us. 

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? 
Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, 
or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 

Nay, in all these things we are more than con- 
querors through him that loved us. 

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Book of Church Services 

For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, 
nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, 
nor things present, nor things to come, nor 
height, nor depth, nor any other creature, 
shall be able to separate us from the love of 
God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 
(Rom. 8 : 18, 35-39.) 

Let not your heart be troubled (said Jesus) : ye 
beHeve in God, believe also in me. In my 
Father's house are many mansions; if it 
were not so I would have told you : I go to 
prepare a place for you. And if I go and 
prepare a place for you, I will come again, and 
will receive you unto myself, that where I 
am, there ye may be also. (John 14 : 1-4.) 

I will not leave you comfortless ; I will come to 
you. . . . Let not your heart be troubled, 
neither let it be afraid. (John 14 : 18, 27.) 

Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our 
Father who loved us and gave us eternal 
comfort and good hope through grace, com- 
fort your hearts and establish them in every 
good w^ork and word. (2 Thess. 2 : 16, 17.) 

MORTALITY. 

Lord, make me to know mine end, and the 
measure of my days, what it is: that I ma> 
know how frail I am. 

Behold, thou hast made my days as a hand- 
breadth ; and mine age is as nothing before 
thee: verily every man at his best estate is 
altogether vanity. 

Surely every man walketh in a vain show; surely 
they are disquieted in vain; he heapeth up 
riches, and knoweth not who shall gather 
them. 



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A Service for the Burial of the Dead 
♦ 
And now, Lord, what wait I for: my hope is in 

thee. 
Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear unto my 

cry; hold not thy peace at my tears; for I 

am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, 

as all my fathers were. 
O spare me, that I may recover strength; before 

I go hence, and be no more. (Psalm 39 : 

4-13.) 

Lord, thou hast been our dwelling-place in all 

generations. 
Before the mountains were brought forth, or 

ever thou hadst formed the earth and the 

world, even from everlasting to everlasting, 

thou art God. 
Thou turnest man to destruction; and sayest, 

Return, ye children of men. 
For a thousand years in thy sight are but as 

yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in 

the night. 
Thou earnest them away as with a flood; they 

are as a sleep : in the morning they are like 

grass which groweth up. 
In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth up; 

in the evening it is cut down, and withereth. 
We spend our years as a tale that is told. 
The days of our years are threescore years and 

ten; and if by reason of strength they be 

fourscore years, yet is their strength labor 

and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we 

fly away. 
So teach us to number our days, that we may 

apply our hearts unto wisdom. 
O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may 

rejoice and be glad all our days. 

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Book of Church Services 

Make us glad according to the days wherein thou 
hast afflicted us, and the years wherein we 
have seen evil. 

Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy 
glory unto their children. 

And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon 
us: and establish thou the work of our 
hands upon us: yea, the work of our hands 
establish thou it. (Psalm 90.) 

THE RESURRECTION. 

I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, 
concerning those who are asleep, that ye 
sorrow not, even as others who have no 
hope. For if we believe that Jesus died 
and rose again, even so them also who sleep 
in Jesus will God bring with him. And so 
shall we be ever with the Lord. (1 Thess. 
4 : 13. 17;^ 

For we know that if our earthly house of this 
tabernacle were dissolved, we have a build- 
ing from God, a house not made with 
hands, eternal in the heavens. (2 Cor. 5: 1.) 

Now is Christ risen from the dead, and become 
the first-fruits of them that sleep. 

For since by man came death, by man also came 
the resurrection of the dead. 

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all 
be made alive. 

There are celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: 

But the glory of the celestial is one, and the 
glory of the terrestrial is another. 

There is one glory of the sun, and another glory 
of the moon, and another glory of the stars; 

For one star differeth from another star in glory. 

So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is 

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A Service for the Burial of the Dead 

sown in corruption; it is raised in incor- 

ruption ; 
It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. 
It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: 
It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual 

body. 
There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual 

body. 
Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but 

that which is natural; and afterward that 

which is spiritual. 
As is the earthy, such are they also who are 

earthy; and as is the heavenly, such are 

they also that are heavenly. 
And as we have borne the image of the earthy, 

we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. 
Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood 

cannot inherit the kingdom of God: 
For this corruptible must put on incorruption, 

and this mortal must put on immortality. 
So when this corruptible shall have put on in- 
corruption, and this mortal shall have put 

on immortality, then shall be brought to 

pass the saying that is written, death is 

swallowed up in victory! 
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is 

thy victory? 
The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin 

is the law. 
But thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory 

through our Lord Jesus Christ. (I Cor. 15.) 

THE LIFE IMMORTAL. 

And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming 
down from God out of heaven, prepared as 
a bride adorned for her husband. And I 

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Book of Church Services 

heard a great voice out of heaven, saying, 
Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, 
and he will dwell with them, and they shall 
be his people, and God himself shall be with 
them, and be their God. And God shall 
wipe away all tears from their eyes; and 
there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, 
nor crying, neither shall there be any more 
pain : for the former things are passed away. 

And I saw no temple therein ; for the Lord God 
Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. 
And the city had no need of the sun, neither 
of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of 
God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the 
light thereof. And the nations of them 
which are saved shall walk in the light of it: 
and the kings of the earth do bring their 
glory and honor into it. And the gates 
of it shall not be shut at all by day: for 
there shall be no night there. And they 
shall bring the glory and honor of the na- 
tions into it. And there shall in no wise 
enter into it anything that defileth, neither 
whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh 
a lie; but they that are written in the 
Lamb's book of life. 

Here are they who came out of great tribulation, 
and have washed their robes, and made 
them white in the blood of the Lamb. 

Therefore are they before the throne of God, 
and serve him night and day: 

And he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell 
among them. 

They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any 
more; neither shall the sun light on them, 
nor any heat. 

164 



A Service for the Burial of the Dead 

For the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne 
shall feed them and shall lead them unto 
living fountains of waters: 

And God shall wipe away all tears from their 
eyes. (Rev. 21 : 1-4, 22-27; 7 : 14-17.) 

FOR THE BURIAL OF A CHILD. 

And Jesus called a little child unto him and set 

him in the midst, and said, verily I say unto 

you, except ye be converted, and become as 

little children, ye shall not enter into the 

kingdom of heaven. 
Whosoever shall humble himself as a little child, 

the same is greatest in the kingdom of 

heaven. 
And whoso shall receive one such little child in 

my name receiveth me. 
Take heed that ye despise not one of these little 

ones; 
For I say unto you, that in heaven their angels 

do always behold the face of my Father 

which is in heaven. 
And they brought young children to him, 

that he should touch them ; 
And his disciples rebuked those that brought them . 
But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, 

and said unto them, 
Suffer the little children to come unto me, and 

forbid them not : for of such is the kingdom 

of heaven. 
Verily I say unto you, whoso shall not receive 

the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall 

not enter therein. And he took them up in 

his arms, put his hands upon them, and 

blessed them. (Matt. 18 : 2-5, 10; Mark 

10 : 13-16.) 

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Book of Cliiircli Services 

Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord 

pitieth them that fear him. 
For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth 

that we are dust. 
As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of 

the field, so he flourisheth. 
For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; 

and the place thereof shall know it no more. 
But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to 

everlasting upon them that fear him, and 

his righteousness unto children's children; 
To such as keep his covenant, and to those that 

remember his commandments to do them. 

(Ps. 103 : 13-18.) 

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: 
He leadeth me beside the still waters. 
He restore th my soul ; he leadeth me in the paths 

of righteousness for his name's sake. 
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the 

shadow of death, I will fear no evil: 
For thou art with me ; thy rod and thy staff they 

comfort me. 
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence 

of mine enemies: 
Thou anointest my head with oil ; my cup run- 
neth over. 
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all 

the days of my life : 
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. 

(Ps. 23.) 

1[ Then shall the minister offer prayer, in his oivn ivords, or 
using, if he prefers, one of the foUoiinng: 

Most merciful God, Friend of the helpless, 
strength of the weak, and comforter of 

1 66 



A Service for the Burial of the Dead 

those who are in distress, look in gracious 
love and compassion, we beseech thee, upon 
those whose joy is turned into mourning. 
May they realize that thou art with them 
to help them bear the burden of their 
sorrow. Help them to know that their 
Heavenly Father is beside them, with 
tenderhearted sympathy, to comfort them 
with his presence. Shine through the 
darkness of grief with the Light of Life. 
Bring to their minds those precious mem- 
ories of days that are past that shall give 
solace and cheer. May the exceeding great 
and precious promises of thy word, not only 
for the life that now is, but for that which 
is to come, support and strengthen them. 
May we all rejoice in Him who has brought 
life and immortality to light, and who walks 
with us through the valley of the shadow 
of death with the glad assurance that he 
will welcome us into one of the many man- 
sions ^ of our Father's house. So may we 
find the peace of God that passeth all under- 
standing; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 

Or this: 

Almighty Father, whose holy purpose is one of 
Infinite Love, grant us the spirit of patient 
resignation in all our trials, believing that 
thou wilt make all things work together for 
our good if we truly love thee. Be thou 
our stay in trial; our consolation in distress. 
Help us to see that death is not the destruc- 
tion but the expansion of our life; that it 
opens the way into larger opportunities of 

■ 167 



Book of Church Services 

service, and higher joys; that it cannot 
separate us from the love of God, but brings 
us into the home prepared for us. 
Strengthen us so to live this earthly life 
that this world shall be but the vestibule 
of that higher and more beautiful home 
where thy children dwell in everlasting 
felicity; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amcji. 

% Then, if desired, a?i appropriate hymn may be sung. 

^ One of the foil oicing may he used, if desired: 

" Sunset and evening star." 

*' Abide with me, fast falls the eventide." 

** HarkI hark, my soul! Angelic songs are swelling.'* 

*' The Homeland! O the Homeland! " 

** There is a land of pure delight." 

^ At the fiiJieral of a child one of the folloiving may he used, 
if desired: 

" Let no tears today be shed." 

" I see them in that world of light." 

** There is no flock howe'er so well defended." 

** Tender shepherd, thou hast stilled." 

1[ When they are come to the grave, luhile the body of the dead 
is made ready to he laid therein, the minister may use 

one or more of the folloii'ing sentences: 

Man that is born of woman hath but a short 
time to live, and is full of miser>\ He 
cometh up, and is cut down like a flower, 
he fleet h as it were a shadow, and never 
continueth in one stay. 

In the midst of life we are in death: of whom 
may we seek for succor but of thee, O 
Lord, who for our sins art justly displeased? 

I am the Resurrection and the Life, saith the 
Lord: He that believeth in me, though he 

1 68 



A Service for the Burial of the Dead 

were dea*d, yet shall he live : and whosoever 
liveth and belie veth in me, shall never die. 
For we know that if our earthly house of this 
tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building 
of God, an house not made with hands, 
eternal in the heavens. 

1[ Then, when the body has been placed in the grave, the min- 
ister shall say, 

Forasmuch as it hath pleased Almighty God to 
take unto himself the soul of our brother 
(or, sister, or, this child), we therefore 
commit his body to the grave : earth to 
earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; looking 
for the resurrection of the dead, and the 
life of the world to come, through our Lord 
Jesus Christ, wherein they who sleep in the 
death of the body shall awake in the life 
of the spirit according to the mighty work- 
ing whereby God is able to subdue all 

^ things to himself. 

- Or this: ^ 

Forasmuch as it hath pleased Almighty God to 

take unto himself the soul of our friend (or, 

^ this child), we commit his body to the grave, 

; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust, 

- iri the sure and certain hope that as he has 

r borne the image of the ekrthly, he shall also 

. ^ bear the image of the heavenly. 

The dust returns unto the earth as it was ; and 

the spirit has returned untO God who 

gave it. . 

None of us liveth to himself, and none dieth to 

himself. For whether we live, we live unto 

■ the Lord; or whether we die, we die unto 

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Book of Church Services 

the Lord; whether we Hve therefore, or die, 
we are the Lord's. 

When the body is to be cremated, the words " the elements " 
may be used instead of ** the grave,'' and ** earth to 
earth '' is to be omitted, 

% Then may be said or sung: 

I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, 
Write, Blessed are the dead who die in 
the Lord from henceforth: yea, saith the 
Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, 
and their works do follow them. 

1[ Then the minister shall offer prayer, using his own words, 
or, if he prefers, one of the following prayers, and shall 
follow it with the Benediction. 

O merciful God, the Father of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, who is the Resurrection and the 
Life, we humbly beseech thee to raise us 
from the death of sin unto the life of right- 
eousness; that, when we shall depart this 
life, we may rest in him; and that at the 
Resurrection we may be found acceptable 
in thy sight, and receive that blessing 
which thy well-beloved Son shall then pro- 
nounce to all that love and serve thee, 
saying. Come, ye blessed of my Father, 
receive the kingdom prepared for you from 
the beginning of the world; grant this, we 
beseech thee, O merciful Father, through 
Jesus Christ, our Mediator and Redeemer. 
Amen} 

Or this: 

O God, Thou King eternal, immortal, in- 
visible, the blessed and only Potentate; 
may we, who cannot see thee with the eye 

* Common Prayer. 

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A Service for the Burial of the Dead 

of flesh, behold thee steadfastly with the 
eye of faith, that we may not faint under 
the manifold trials and temptations of this 
mortal life, but endure as seeing thee who 
art invisible; and grant that having ful- 
filled thy will upon earth, we may behold 
thy face in heaven, and be made partakers 
of those unspeakable joys which thou hast 
promised to them who love thy Son Jesus 
Christ our Lord; for whose sake, we be- 
seech thee to hear us; and unto whom, 
with the Father and the Holy Spirit, we 
ascribe all glory and praise, for ever and 
ever. Amen, 

Or this: 

Almighty God, with whom do live the spirits 
of those that depart hence in the Lord, and 
with whom the souls of the faithful, after 
they are delivered from the burden of the 
flesh, are in joy and felicity: we give thee 
hearty thanks that it hath pleased thee 
to deliver them from the sufferings of this 
world; and we beseech thee that it may 
please thee of thy gracious goodness to 
hasten thy kingdom; that we, with all 
those that are departed in the true faith 
of thy holy Name, may have our perfect 
consummation and bliss, in thy eternal 
and everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen} 

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love 
of God, and the communion of the Holy 
Spirit, be with you all. Amen. 

1 Common Prayer. 

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svci onr ::fv3 c^jira.^-' 



PRAYERS AND COLLECTS 




Topical Index of Prayers and Collects 

MORNING PRAYERS 178 

PRAYERS FOR CHRISTIAN GIFTS AND GRACES 

For Guidance 179 

For Daily Fidelity . . . . . . 179 

For Daily Work . 180 

For Cheerfulness . . . . . . . 180 

For Grace 181 

For Grace and Blessing 181 

For the Grace of God 181 

For Daily Grace for Daily Needs . . 181 

For a Right Spirit 182 

For Right Living 182 

For Wisdom 182 

For Confident Trust 183 

For Steadfast Faith -^ 183 

For Patience , . . 183 

For Divine Help ...... . ~ 184 

For Vision and Strength . . . . 184 

For Peace 184 

For Brotherly Love 185 

For the Spirit of Helpfulness . . . 185 

For Charity 185 

For Harmony and Concord . . . ,185 

PRAYERS FOR THE HOME 

For Home - . . 186 

For Mothers 186 

For Children ........ 186 

For Friends and Kindred .... 187 

A Prayer of Memorial . . . . . 187 

175 



Book of Church Services 

PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING 

For Countless Blessings 188 

For Abundant Mercies . . . . . 188 

For the Harvest-tide 189 

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION 

For Forgiveness . 189 

For Protection 189 

For Those in Trouble 189 

For Times of Trouble 190 

For Those in Sickness 190 

For Those in Sorrow 190 

For the Pardon of Our Sins. . . . 190 

For All Sorts and Conditions of Men . 191 

PRAYERS FOR CIVIC AND NATIONAL NEEDS 

For the President and Civil Authorities 191 

For Our Country 191 

For a Neighborly Spirit . . . . .192 

For Congress 192 

For Strangers in Our Land . . . . 193 

For International Friendship . >. . 193 

For the Brotherhood of Man v^-',"- . 193 

For Deliverance from National Sins . 194 

For Social Justice . . . . . . 194 

For Toilers 194 

For a Time of War 195 

PRAYERS FOR THE CHURCH 

For the Church 195 

For all Christian Workers .... 196 

For Christian Unity . . . . . . 196 

For the Communion of Saints ... 196 

176 



Prayers and Collects 

PRAYERS FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD 

For Missions and Missionaries . . 197 

For the Kingdom of God .... 197 

PRAYERS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS 

For Schools ........ 198 

For Travelers . 198 

' For a Service at Sea . . . . . . 199 

For a Flower Service . . . . . 199 

For Christmas . . . . ... 199 

For New Year's ....... 200 

For Palm Sunday 200 

For Good Friday . . . . . . 201 

"For Easter 201 

For Descent of the Holy Spirit . . . 202 

For Forefathers' Day ..... 202 

For Independence Day 202 

For Memorial Day 203 

EVENING PRAYERS 203 

ASCRIPTIONS OF PRAISE 205 

BENEDICTIONS 207 



m 



PRA^TRS .\ND COLLECTS FOR 
OCCASION\\L USE 

Morning Prayers 

Morning Prayer 
Grant us, O Lord, to pass this day in gladness and peace, 
without stumbling and without stain; that, reaching the 
eventide victorious over all temptation, we may praise 
thee, the eternal God, who art blessed, and dost govern all 
things, world without end. Ar?ien} 

Morning Prayer 
O God, who dividest the day from the night, separate 
our deeds from the gloom of darkness. As thou hast 
awakened our bodies from sleep, so, we beseech thee, 
awaken our souls from sin; as thou hast caused the light 
of day to shine on our bodily eyes, cause the light of thy 
truth and thy Holy Spirit to illuminate our hearts; and 
so give us grace, as the children of light, to walk in all holy 
obedience before thy face this day, that in all our thoughts, • 
words, and dealings, we may endeavor to keep faith and 
a clean conscience toward thee and toward all men; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.^ 

Morning Prayer 
Eternal God, who hast neither dawn nor evening, yet 
sendest us alternate mercies of the darkness and the day, 
there is no light but thine, without or within. As thou 
liftest the curtains of night from our abodes, take also the 
veil from all our hearts. Rise with thy morning upon 
our souls; quicken all our labor and our prayer; and, 
though all else declines, let the noontide of thy grace and 
peace remain. May we walk, while it is yet day, in the 
steps of him who, with fewest hours, finished thy divinest 
work. Amen} 

Morning Prayer 

Lord, our heavenly Father, Almighty and everlasting 
God, who hast safely brought us to the beginning of this 

1 Mozarabic Sacramentar\'. 

* Scotch Book of Common Order. 
» John Hunter. 

178 



Prayers and Collects 

day; defend us in the same with thy mighty power; and 
grant that this day we fall into no sin, neither run into any 
kind of danger; but that all our doings, being ordered by 
thy governance, may be righteous in thy sight; through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.'^ 

Prayers for Christian Gifts and Graces 

For Guidance 
O Lord, we beseech thee mercifully to receive the prayers 
of thy people who call on thee; and grant that they may 
both perceive and know what things they ought to do, 
and also have grace and power faithfully to fulfill the same; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. AmenJ^ 

For Guidance 

O God, who art, and wast, and art to come, before whose 
face the generations rise and pass away; age after age the 
living seek thee, and find that of thy faithfulness there is 
no end. Our fathers in their pilgrimage walked by thy 
guidance and rested on thy compassion; still to their 
children be thou the cloud by day, the fire by night. In 
our manifold temptations, thou alone knowest, and art 
ever nigh; in sorrow, thy pity revives the fainting soul; 
in our prosperity and ease, it is thy spirit only that can 
wean us from our pride and keep us low. O thou sole 
source of peace and righteousness; take now the veil 
from every heart, and join us in one communion with thy 
prophets and saints who have trusted in thee, and were 
not ashamed. Not of our worthiness, but of thy tender 
mercy, hear our prayer. Amen.^ 

For Daily Fidelity 

Thou Almighty Helper and ever-present God, we 
bring to thee all our needs. O thou Author of all good, 
from whom cometh every good and perfect gift, may thy 
mercies be our daily song, and may the light of thy counte- 
nance in this world of power and beauty move our hearts 
to great thankfulness and a sweet trust. Day by day 
thou dost appoint our portion, especially revealing thy 
glory in the dear Son of thy love, and calling us into his 
kingdom of service and blessedness. May this be our 

1 Common Prayer. 

2 Ibid. 

3 James Martineau. 

179 



Book of Church Services 

love of thee in him, that we love one another and keep all 
his commandments. Amen} 

For a Blessing on Daily Work 
Almighty and most merciful Father, who hast given unto 
us the promise of the life that now is, as well as of that 
which is to come; we beseech thee for thy blessing upon 
our substance; and that, having food and clothing, we 
may be therewith content, and may pass our days in peace 
and quietness. Be with thy servants, who are now going 
forth unto their work and labor until the evening; and 
comfort their hearts with a due return for the same. Give 
thy grace to all who are rich, that with a free heart they 
may yield unto the laiborer his hire, and may be bountiful 
unto the needy: and do thou deliver the poor from op- 
pression, and give unto them patience and contentment; 
for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."^ 

For a Blessing upon Our Work 
O God, who, by the example of thy dear Son, hast 
warned us that we should work thy works while it is day, 
before the night cometh when no man can work; keep us 
from sloth and idleness, and from the misuse of those 
talents which thou hast committed to our trust. Enable 
us to perform the several duties of our state and calling 
with such care and diligence that our work may ever be 
approved in thy sight; and forasmuch as the needful busi- 
ness of this life is apt to steal away our hearts from thee, 
give us grace to remember that we have a Master in 
heaven, and to do everything in singleness of heart, as 
unto thee and not unto men, that of thee we may receive 
the reward of the inheritance which thou hast promised; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen,^ 

For Cheerfulness 

most loving Father, who wiliest us to give thanks for 
all things, to dread nothing but the loss of thee, and to 
cast all our cares on thee who carest for us; preserve us 
from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, and grant that 
no clouds of this mortal life may hide from us the light of 
that love which is immortal, and which thou hast man- 
ifested to us in thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Ameji.^ 

1 Rufiis Ellis. 

2 Scotch Book of Common Order. 

3 Ibid. 

4 William Bright. 

i8o 



Prayers and Collects 

For Grace 

O Lord our God, grant us grace to desire thee with our 

whole heart; that so desiring we may seek and find thee; 

and so finding thee may love thee; and loving thee may 

hate those sins from which thou hast redeemed us. Amen.'^ 

For Grace and Blessing 
O God, Light of the hearts that see thee, and Life of 
the souls that love thee, and Strength of the thoughts that 
seek thee; from whom to be turned away is to fall, to 
whom to be turned is to rise, and in whom to abide is to 
stand fast forever; grant us now thy grace and blessing 
as we are here assembled to offer up our common suppli- 
cations; and though we are unworthy to approach thee, 
or to ask anything of thee at all, be pleased to hear and to 
answer us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.'^ 

For the Grace of God 
Almighty and everlasting God, who art always more 
ready to hear than we to pray, and art wont to give more 
than either we desire or deserve, pour down upon us the 
abundance of thy mercy, forgiving us those things whereof 
our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things 
we are not worthy to ask; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen.^ 

Daily Grace for Daily Needs 

O God, from whom all good things do come, who sendest 
sunshine and fruitful seasons, be pleased to bestow upon 
us day by day what we require; grant to each of us the 
strength he needs to accomplish his task; bless the work 
of our hands and of our minds; and give us grace to serve 
thee in health or in sickness, in wealth or in poverty. 
Sanctify to us our joys and our trials, and enable us to 
seek first thy kingdom and thy righteousness, and to be- 
lieve that thou wilt add to us all else that is good. Amen,^ 

Daily Grace for Daily Needs 

God, most holy, wise and powerful Preserver and 
Governor of all thy creatures and all their actions; keep 
us this day in health of body and soundness of mind, in 
purity of heart and cheerfulness of spirit, in contentment 

1 Anselm. 

2 Scotch Book of Common Order. 

* Common Prayer. 

* Scotch Book of Common Order. 

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Book of Church Services 

with our lot and charity with our neighbor; and further 
all our lawful undertakings with thy blessing. In our 
labor, strengthen us; in our pleasure, purify us; in 
our difficulties, direct us; in our perils, defend us; in our 
troubles, comfort us; and supply all our need according 
to the riches of thy grace in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen} 

For a Right Spirit 
Lord of all power and might, who art the Author and 
Giver of all good things; graft in our hearts the love of thy 
name; increase in us true religion, nourish us with all 
goodness, and of thy great mercy keep us in the same, 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen,^ 

For a Right Spirit 

Breathe into our souls, O heavenly Father, the love of 
whatsoever is true and beautiful and good. May we fear 
to be unfaithful and have no other fear. Forgive us all 
our sins, and keep us from sinning again. Help us to 
remember that we are thy children and belong to Thee. 
Enable us to love others as Thou hast loved us. Make us 
generous and kind to all, faithful in duty, truthful in 
speech and sweet in temper. Enlighten our minds that 
we may know Thee; inspire our hearts that we may love 
Thee; and guide our wills that we may serve Thee for- 
ever. Amen} 

For Right Living 

O Lord, from whom all good things do come, grant to 
us, thy humble servants, that by thy holy inspiration we 
may think those things that are good, and by thy merciful 
guiding may perform the same, through Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Amen} 

For the Spirit of Wisdom 

O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and 
light riseth up in darkness for the godly, grant us, in all 
our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what thou 
wouldst have us to do, that the spirit of wisdom may save 
us from all false choices, and that in thy light we may see 

^ Book of Common Worship, by permission of the Presbyterian 
Board of Publication. 

2 Scotch Book of Common Order. 

8 Lyman Abbott. 

* G^lasian Sacramentary, A.D. 494. 

182 



Prayers and Collects 

light and in thy straight path may not stumble; through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen,^ 

For Confident Trust 

O Lord God, in whom we live, and move, and have our 
being, open our eyes that we may behold thy Fatherly 
presence ever about us. Draw our hearts to thee with the 
power of thy love. Teach us to be anxious for nothing, 
and when we have done what thou hast given us to do, 
help us, O God our Saviour, to leave the issue to thy wis- 
dom. Take from us all doubt and mistrust. Lift our 
thoughts up to thee in heaven, and make us to know that 
all things are possible to us through thy Son our Redeemer. 
Amen,^ 

For Steadfast Faith 

Almighty God, the refuge of all that are distressed, 
grant unto us that, in all trouble of this our mortal life, we 
may flee to the knowledge of thy loving-kindness and 
tender mercy; that so, sheltering ourselves therein, the 
storms of life may pass over us, and not shake the peace of 
God that is within us. Whatsoever this life may bring 
us, grant that it may never take from us the full faith that 
thou art our Father. Grant us thy light, that we may have 
life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen,^ 

For Patience 

Almighty and everlasting God, the Creator of the ends 
of the earth, who givest power to the faint, and strength 
to them that have no might, look mercifully, we beseech 
thee, on our low estate, and cause thy grace to triumph 
in our weakness, that with courage and confidence we 
may arise and follow in the way of righteousness those who 
by their faith and patience already inherit the promises; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. AmenJ' 

For Patience 

God of all patience, whose dealings with thy children 
reveal a boundless and unwearied patience, like the pa- 
tience of the earth waiting for the springtime, teach us 

1 Common Prayer. 

2 Bishop Westcott. 

3 George Dawson. 

* Scotch Book of Common Order. 

183 



Book of Church Services 

more of thy patience. Help us to be patient with our- 
selves and with each other; patient with the slow progress 
of thy kingdom, that with steadfast hearts, invincible 
good-will and good hope, we may fashion ourselves in the 
likeness of our Master and ever give ourselves to the ser- 
vice of thee and of our fellow men. Amen. 

For Divine Help 

O God, the strength of all them that put their trust in 
thee; mercifully accept our prayers; and because through 
the weakness of our nature we can do no good thing without 
thee, grant us the help of thy grace, that in keeping thy 
commandments we may please thee, both in will and deed, 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen^ 

For Divine Help 

O God, who art the Guide and Shepherd of all faithful 
souls, consecrate with thy presence the way our feet may 
go, and the humblest work will shine, and the roughest 
places be made plain. Lift us above selfishness and dis- 
trust unto faith and hope and charity by a simple and 
steadfast reliance upon thy holy will. In all things draw 
us to the mind of Christ, that we may be at one with thee, 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

For Vision and Strength 

O Lord, we beseech thee mercifully to receive the 
prayers of thy people who call upon thee, and grant that 
they may both perceive and know what things they ought 
to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to 
fulfil the same, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.^ 

For Peace 

God, from whom all holy desires, all good counsels 
and all just works do proceed, give unto thy servants the 
peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts may be 
set to obey thy commandments, and also that by thee we, 
being defended from the fear of our enemies, may pass our 
time in rest and quietness; through the merits of Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen.^ 

1 Scotch Book of Common Order. 

2 Gregorian Sacramentary, A. D. 590. 
' Common Prayer. 

184 



Prayers and Collects 

For Brotherly Love 
O God, who of thy great love to this world didst recon- 
cile earth to heaven through thine only begotten Son: 
grant that we, who, by the darkness of our sins, are turned 
aside from brotherly love, may by thy light shed forth in 
our souls be filled with thine own sweetness, and embrace 
our friends in thee and our enemies for thy sake, in a 
bond of mutual afifection. Amen.^ 

For the Spirit of Helpfulness 
O God, our Father, who through thy Son hast bidden 
us give to everyone who thirsts the cup of cold water, grant 
us grace to minister in sympathy to the physical needs of 
others, and also, as we have opportunity to give to them 
that living water which springeth up into everlasting life. 
Amen. 

For Charity 

O Creator and Preserver of mankind, whose will is that 
not one of thy children should perish, but that all should 
have eternal life ; we beseech thee for increase of the heav- 
enly gift of charity: that we may account nothing com- 
mon or unclean which thou hast made, nor despise those 
who through ignorance and temptation have wandered 
into sin; nor hate those who, following the evil of their 
own hearts, have wrought wickedness in the earth; but 
help us rather to imitate the example of thy Son, in patience 
toward the infirmities of mankind, and hope for the re- 
demption of those who are furthest off from thee; seeking 
ever to overcome hatred with love and evil with good; 
that others may see our good works, and glorify with us our 
Father in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

For Charity 

Lord, who hast taught us that all our doings without 
charity are nothing, send thy Holy Spirit and pour into 
our hearts that most excellent gift of charity, the very 
bond of peace and of all virtues, without which whosoever 
liveth is counted dead before thee, through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen} 

For Harmony and Concord 
Almighty and everlasting God, King of Glory and Lord 
of heaven and earth, by whose Spirit all things are gov- 

1 Mozarabic Sacramentary. 

2 Common Prayer. 

i8S 



Book of Church Services 

erned, by whose providence all things are ordered, who art 
the God of peace and of all concord, grant us, we beseech 
thee, thy heavenly peace and concord, that we may serve 
thee in true fear, to the praise and glory of thy name, 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. AmenA 

Prayers for the Home 

For Home 

O God our Heavenly Father, we thank thee for the 
home into which each of us came when he entered this 
world of mystery and wonder, shrined in hallowed affec- 
tions and memories, where duty was made sacred and love 
nurtured and where we learned to call thee Father. Hal- 
low, we pray thee, all homes with thy gracious presence 
and divine peace and love. May there be in them true 
concord, loving sacrifice and unfailing loyalty. Be with 
all who are homeless and may each find a place in the 
larger household of God who is our true Home, now and 
evermore. Ame7i. 

A Prayer for Mothers 

Father of Life, fold in the everlasting arms of thy love 
the mothers of the race. As they struggle up the steps 
of motherhood, through its travail of mind, body and soul, 
give them thy guiding wisdom and thine empowering 
grace. Grant them the compensation of a love returned 
and understood, and the satisfaction of knowing that they 
have lifted those entrusted to their care into helpful har- 
mony with thy kingdom. Grant the ever-steadying 
power of thy support through the daily discouragements, 
the readjustment of ideals, and the anguish of bereave- 
ment that come into all mothers' lives. Increase, we pray, 
their cheerful steadfastness, their unselfish strength; and, 
at the close of their day, may they enter into rest with 
faith undimmed and unafraid. We ask through Christ, 
our Lord. Amen. 

For Children 

God, our heavenly Father, who didst send into the 
world thy well-beloved Son, our Saviour, as a little child, 
and who dost love all children as thine own; pour out 
thy blessing upon the children of our homes, of our 

1 Lutheran Service. 

1 86 



r 



Prayers and Collects 

church, and of the whole world. Make thy light to shine 
in their hearts more and more, that they may see thee as 
their loving Friend and their glorious King, and may 
follow Jesus Christ as their Master and Redeemer. De- 
liver them from ignorance and sin. Help them to over- 
come every temptation through thy grace. Fill them 
with the Spirit of Christ that they may be pure and un- 
selfish, and loyal to thee; and bring them at last into the 
glory of the eternal home; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 

For Children 

O Thou, who through thy Son didst call the little chil- 
dren unto thyself, bestow thy blessing and favor upon all 
children. Draw them to thyself that they may be kept 
from all sin and wrong. Make them obedient, happy, 
brave and good, and evermore reveal to them the hidden 
things of thy wisdom and thy love. Give unto us all the 
childlike heart, that we may be meet for thy kingdom 
here and hereafter, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

A Prayer for Friends and Kindred 
Almighty God, whose goodness loved us into life, and 
whose mercies never fail; we commend to thee all who 
have a place in our hearts and sympathies; all who are 
joined to us by the sacred ties of kindred, friendship, and 
love; all little children who are dear to us; all who help 
us to a faithful life and whose spirit turns our duties into 
love; keep them both outwardly in their bodies and in- 
wardly in their souls, and pour upon them the continual 
dew of thy blessing: through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen} 

A Prayer of Memorial 
Eternal God, Lord of every world, before whom stand 
the spirits of the living and the dead ; we bless and praise 
thy holy name for all thy servants departed this life in 
thy faith and fear; and especially for those most dear to 
us, the friends of our youth and later years, and little chil- 
dren whose angels behold thy face in heaven. And we 
beseech thee to give us grace so to follow their good ex- 
ample, that even here we may be united to them in fel- 
lowship of spirit ; and that finally when we too are called 
hence, we may be gathered together with them in the 
everlasting light and peace. Amen} 

^ John Hunter. 

187 



Book of Church Services 
Prayers of Thanksgiving 

For Countless Blessings 

O God, Giver of all good, and Fountain of all mercies, 
in whom are all the springs of our life; all glory, thank? 
and praise be unto thee for thine unfailing goodness; for 
thy faithfulness which is from one generation to another; 
for thy mercies which are new every morning, fresh every 
moment, and more than we can number. We thank thee 
for seedtime and harvest, and summer and winter, and 
nights and days throughout the year; for food, and cloth- 
ing, and shelter; for health and reason; for childhood and 
age, youth and manhood; for thy fatherly hand ever upon 
us in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, in life 
and in death; for friends, kindred, and benefactors; for 
home and country; for thy church and for thy gospel. 

Yea, Lord, because there is nothing for which we may 
not bless and thank thee, therefore do We pay our vows 
now in the presence of all thy people, humbly beseeching 
thee to accept this our service, which we offer in the name 
of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen} 

For A bundant Mercies 

God, thou art our Father, forever and forever. We 
magnify thee, we praise thee, we worship thee; we give 
thanks unto thee for thy good providence, for all the 
blessings of the present life, and all the hopes of a better 
life to come. We thank thee for our preservation, and 
the bountiful supply of our returning wants; for health 
of body and soundness of mind; for strength and skill to 
labor in our several callings, and for that portion of earthly 
good thou hast bestowed upon us. We thank thee for 
loving parents, for faithful pastors and teachers, for bene- 
factors never to be forgotten, for kind friends, for all who 
have helped us upward in our heavenly way. 

Above all, we praise and bless thee for thy Son our 
Saviour, for thy Spirit our sanctifier, for the example of 
saints and martyrs, and for the hope of glory. Let the 
memory of thy goodness fill our hearts with joy and thank- 
fulness until life's end; and let our thanksgivings go up 
with acceptance before thy throne; through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen.^ 

1 Scotch Book of Common Order. 

2 Ibid. 



Prayers and Collects 

For the Harvest-tide 
Most gracious God, by whose appointment the seasons 
come and go, and who makest the fruits of the earth to 
minister to the needs of men, we offer thee our thanks- 
givings that thou hast brought us through the circuit of 
another year, and that according to thy promise, seedtime 
and harvest have not failed. We thank thee that thou 
hast prospered the husbandman in his toil, and hast 
crowned the year with thy goodness. We praise thee, 
the giver of all good gifts, for the plentiful harvests to 
feed the hungry and minister to our comfort. At the re- 
membrance of thy bounty we offer unto thee the sacrifices 
of our thanksgiving, and pray that thou wilt feed our 
souls with the Bread of life; through Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Amen. 

Prayers of Intercession 

For Forgiveness 
O most mighty God and merciful Father, who hast com- 
passion on all men, and hatest nothing that thou hast 
made : who wouldest not the death of a sinner, but rather 
that he should turn from his wickedness and live: merci- 
fully forgive us our trespasses; receive and comfort all 
who are grieved and wearied with the burden of their sins; 
enable us to overcome our temptations, and henceforth to 
live a godly, righteous and sober life, to the glory of thy 
holy Name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

For Protection 

God, who knowest us to be set in the midst of so many 
and great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of our 
nature we cannot always stand upright ; grant to us such 
strength and protection as may support us in all dangers, 
and carry us through all temptations; through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen} 

For Those in Trouble 
Be merciful, O God, unto all who need thy mercy, and 
let the angel of thy presence save the afflicted; be thou 
the Strength of the weary, the Comfort of the sorrowful, 
the Friend of the desolate, the Light of the wandering, the 
Hope of the dying, the Saviour of the lost, through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 

1 Scotch Book of Common Order. 

189 



Book of Church Services 

For Times of Trouble 
Almighty God, Lord of the storm and of the calm, the 
vexed sea and the quiet haven, of day and night, of life 
and of death, grant unto us so to have our hearts stayed 
upon thy faithfulness, thine unchangingness and love, that 
whatsoever betide us, however black the cloud or dark the 
night, with quiet faith trusting in thee, we may look upon 
thee with untroubled eye, and walking in lowliness towards 
thee, and in lovingness toward one another, abide all 
storms and troubles of this mortal life, beseeching thee that 
they may turn to the soul's true good; we ask it for thy 
mercy's sake, shown in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.'^ 

For Those in Sickness 
Heavenly Father, who art touched with every feeling of 
our infirmities, and dost minister to every need, grant thy 
blessing to those whose strength is turned into weakness 
because illness has overtaken them. Help them to be 
conscious of thy presence with them. May they feel that 
underneath are the Everlasting arms, and may they rest 
patiently and hopefully in thy love. Renew their vigor, 
restore their strength, and bring them back to their ac- 
customed duties. And cheer them with the thought that 
in that realm of the spirit toward which we journey there 
shall be no more sickness nor pain, but everlasting and 
abundant life. Amen. 

For Those in Sorrow 

Father of infinite Compassion, God of all Comfort, 
reveal thyself to those who have been brought into the 
darkness of sorrow as the Light of Life. Strengthen the 
hearts that faint under the heavy burden, and support 
them in the arms of thine infinite love. May they know 
that in all their distress thou dost care for them with un- 
failing tenderness. May they remember the sympathiz- 
ing Saviour, who was a man of sorrows and acquainted 
with grief, yet who was able to say in his sorest trial. 
Father, not my will but thine be done. Help them to 
bear with patience their affliction, and bring them at last 
to that heavenly home where God shall wipe away all tears 
from their eyes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

For the Pardon of our Sins 
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who of thy great 
mercy hast promised forgiveness of sins to all those who, 

1 George Dawson. 

19a 



Prayers and Collects 

with hearty repentance and true faith, turn unto thee; 
have mercy upon us; pardon and deliver us from all our 
sins; confirm and strengthen us in all goodness; and 
bring us to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Anient 

A Prayer for All Sorts and Conditions of Men 
O God, the Creator and Preserver of all mankind, we 
humbly beseech thee for all sorts and conditions of men; 
that thou wouldst be pleased to make thy ways known 
unto them, thy saving health unto all nations. More 
especially we pray for thy Church Universal; that it may 
be so guided and governed by thy good spirit, that all who 
profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the 
way of truth, and may hold the truth in unity of spirit, 
in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life. Finally 
we commend to thy fatherly goodness all those who are 
in any ways afflicted or distressed, in mind, body or estate; 
that it may please thee to comfort and relieve them ac- 
cording to their several necessities; giving them patience 
under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their 
afflictions; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.^ 

Prayers for National and Civic Needs 

A Prayer for the President and Civil Authorities 
O Lord, our heavenly Father, the high and mighty 
Ruler of the universe, who dost from thy throne behold 
all the dwellers upon earth ; most heartily we beseech thee 
with thy favor to behold and bless thy servant, the Presi- 
dent of these United States, and all who make or execute 
our laws; and so replenish them with the graces of thy 
Holy Spirit that they may always incline to thy will, and 
walk in thy way. Endow them plenteously with heavenly 
gifts; grant them in health and prosperity long to live; 
and finally, after this life, to attain everlasting joy and 
felicity, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen,^ 

A Prayer for Our Country 
O God, who art the hope of all the ends of the earth; 
remember the whole creation, pity our race, and save the 
world from sin. Protect our land from whatever threatens 



1 Common Prayer. 

2 Ibid, 
« Ihid, 



191 



Book of Church Services 

her welfare, so that religion and virtue may flourish more 
and more. Give the spirit of wisdom and godly fear to 
thy servant the President of the United States, and all 
who are in authority over us. Give humility to the rich, 
and grace to use their riches to thy glory: bless the people 
in their callings and families, and be thou a refuge to the 
poor in their distress. Make every home a shelter from 
temptation and a nursery of noble youth; take also the 
homeless beneath thy protection. Cleanse and sanctify 
the church which thou hast loved, and reveal the spirit of 
thy Son through the life and service of thy people. En- 
lighten all who are perplexed in faith, support those who 
are tempted, awaken those who sleep, comfort the afllicted, 
and encourage such as are ready to faint. Encompass 
with thy favor all whose lives thou hast bound up with our 
own, and, if there be any who do us wrong, remove all 
bitterness from our hearts while we pray for thy blessing 
upon them. Give peace, O Lord, in our time, and unite 
all hearts in the love of thy dear Son, Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Amen.^ 

For a Neighborly Spirit 

O God most merciful, teach us to be considerate, just 
and true in all relations with our neighbors. Bring our 
hearts in willing obedience under thy law of fellow-service 
and good-will. Guard our thoughts and acts, lest we have 
part in the oppression of the poor or in refusal of justice to 
those who have had lesser opportunities than ours. May 
the uplift of all the people be our innermost desire. Make 
us good workmen, good neighbors, seeking gain for others 
as well as for ourselves, patient under trials, rejoicing in 
the promise of thy kingdom and seeking its fulfilment in 
the brotherhood of men. Deliver our nation from en\^^, 
coveting and hatred, and help us to use all thou hast given 
us for the good of all. In the name of Christ our Brother. 
Amen.^ 

A Prayer for Congress 

Most gracious God, we humbly beseech thee to bless 
this great Republic in which we live, and especially the 
Senate and Representatives in Congress: that thou 
wouldst direct and prosper all their consultations, to the 
advancement of thy glory, the good of thy church, the 

1 Book of Common Worship, by permission of the Presbyterian Board 
of Publication. 

2 Isaac Ogden Rankin. 

192 



Prayers and Collects 

safety, honor, and welfare of thy people; that all things 
may be so ordered and settled by their endeavors, upon the 
best and surest foundations, that peace and happiness, 
truth and justice, religion and piety, may be established 
among us for all generations; this we ask in the name of 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.^ 

For Strangers in our Land 

God of our fathers, who didst lead thine ancient people 
through desert wanderings into the promised land, and 
who didst guide our Pilgrim sires across the stormy seas 
to lay here the foundations of this great republic, we 
implore thy blessing upon those who have lately come 
from other lands to make their home in this country. 
Amid strange faces and unaccustomed scenes may they 
feel that thou art with them. In their loneliness and 
homesickness may they realize that the Everlasting Friend 
is beside them, upon whom they may cast all the burden 
of care and anxiety. Help those about them to give them 
sympathy and good cheer in the spirit of Christ. May 
they prosper in this land of freedom and justice and oppor- 
tunity, and become loyal and devoted citizens of this 
country of their adoption. May they be faithful followers 
of Christ, that they may be also fellow citizens with the 
saints in that liberty wherewith Christ maketh his people 
free. Amen. 

For International Friendship 

Almighty God, in whose hand are all the nations of the 
earth, grant to them all thy guidance and help that they 
may seek prosperity in promoting the welfare of their 
people and of all mankind. Grant to all peoples and r^ces 
that they may feel their kinship with each other since all 
men are alike the children of the same eternal Father. 
Restrain them from jealousy, hatred or selfish ambition. 
Awaken in them the spirit of justice, fraternity and con- 
cord. Unite them by the bonds of international friend- 
ship, that they may work together for the betterment of 
the whole world. Make wars to cease, and hasten the day 
when there shall be everywhere peace on earth, and good 
will among men; this we ask in the name of the Prince 
of Peace. Amen. 

For the Brotherhood of Man 

Father of infinite love, who hast compassion on all 

1 Common Prayer. 



Book of Church Services 

men because they are the offspring of thy Spirit, made in 
thine image, grant thy rich blessing upon all thy children 
in every land. Help them to realize thy living presence 
and fill them with the spirit of loyalty and love to thee. 
As they have the same heavenly Father, the same Saviour 
and Master, and are beckoned to the same heavenly home, 
may they live together in sympathy and helpfulness. In 
warm fraternity may each seek the welfare and happiness 
of all. Make the whole world one great family, filled with 
the spirit of loving service. Bind all races and peoples 
together in cordial sympathy, and grant that throughout 
the wide world the brotherhood of man may be fully 
realized in the coming of thy kingdom. Amen. 

For Deliverance from National Sins 
Lord God Almighty, defend our land, we beseech thee, 
from the secret power and the open shame of great national 
sins. From all dishonesty and civic corruption; from all 
vainglory and selfish luxury; from all cruelty and the 
spirit of violence; from covetousness, which is idolatry; 
from impurity, which defiles the temple of the Holy Spirit; 
and from intemperance which is the mother of many 
crimes and sorrows; good Lord, deliver and save us and 
our children, and our children's children, in the land which 
thou hast blessed with the light of pure religion; through 
Jesus Christ, our only Saviour and King. Amen} 

For Social Justice 

Thou who art Love, and who seest all the suffering, 
injustice and misery which reign in this world, have pity, 
we implore Thee, on the work of thy hands. Look merci- 
fully upon the poor, the oppressed, and all who are heavily 
laden with error, labor and sorrow. Fill our hearts with 
deep compassion for those who suffer, and hasten the 
coming of thy kingdom of justice and truth. Amen? 

For Toilers 
Almighty God, who dost work without ceasing, and who 
didst sanctify toil by the labor of thy Son as a carpenter, 
we implore thy blessing upon all toilers on land or sea. 
Give thern the spirit of fidelity, of patience, and of steadfast 
purpose. Defend them in any hour of danger. May the 
fulfillment of their tasks strengthen in them noble char- 

1 Book of Common Worship, by permission of the Presbyterian 
Board of Publication. 

2 Eugene Bersier. 

194 



Prayers and Collects " 

acter and devotion to the common welfare. May all 
employers deal justly and fraternally with all who work 
for them, that the workers may receive a fair reward. 
May every unrighteous law and custom, which might de- 
prive the toilers of their just recompense, be removed. 
Let not avarice nor organized selfishness imperil the public 
weal. May the spirit of brotherhood direct all our busi- 
ness and the ideals of Christ be so faithfully followed, that 
we shall have upon earth the promised kingdom of 
Heaven. Amen, 

For a Time of War 

Lord God of Hosts, grant to those who have gone 
forth to fight our battles by land or sea, protection in 
danger, patience *n -uffering, and moderation in victory. 
Look with compassion on the sick, the wounded, and the 
captives; sanctify to them their trials, and turn their 
hearts unto thee. For thy dear Son's sake, O Lord, pardon 
and receive the dying; have mercy upon the widow and 
fatherless, and comfort all who mourn. O gracious 
Father, who makest wars to cease in all the world, restore 
to us, thy people, speedily the blessing of peace, and grant 
that our present troubles may be overruled to thy glory, 
in the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom, and the 
union of all nations in thy faith, fear and love. Hear, O 
Lord, and answer us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen} 

Prayers for the Church 

A Prayer for the Church 
Almighty and everlasting God, who hast built thy 
Church upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, 
Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone ; we pray 
thee to inspire the Church Universal with the spirit of 
truth, unity and concord. And grant that all who confess 
thy holy name may abide in the truth, and live in unity 
and godly love. Give grace, O heavenly Father, to all 
Christian ministers, that they may, both by their life and 
doctrine, set forth thy true and living Word. And to all 
thy people give thy heavenly grace; and especially to this 
congregation here present, that with meek heart and due 
reverence they may hear and receive thy holy Word ; truly 
serving thee in holiness and righteousness all the days of 

1 E. Hawkins. 

195 



-Book of Church Services 

their life. And we beseech thee, of thy goodness, O Lord, 
to comfort and succor all those who are in trouble, sorrow, 
need, sickness, or any other adversity. And we bless thy 
holy name for all thy servants departed this life in thy 
faith and fear; beseeching thee to give us grace to follow 
their good examples, that with them we may be partakers 
of thy heavenly kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
Amen} 

A Prayer for all Christian Workers 
Bless, O Lord, we beseech Thee, all those who are de- 
voted to serve Thee in works of charity, in the training of 
the young and reclaiming the fallen, — those who visit 
the sick, minister to the poor, instruct the ignorant, and 
lead back to the Father's House them that are astray. 
Accept their labors, and grant that while they sympathize 
with others in their necessity, they may bring them to 
share the joy of the Divine life wherein they live, may 
comfort the sorrowful with the consolation wherewith 
they are comforted of God, and may with them attain to 
that spiritual perfection which they desire: through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen.'^ 

For Christian Unity 
O Lord and Father of us all, who didst send thy Son to 
be the Saviour of the world, grant thy blessing to all the 
followers of Christ of every name and creed. May they 
rejoice in the privilege of being fellow workers with him 
and with each other that the darkness of the world may 
be driven out by the Light of life. Deliver them from 
prejudice, from arrogance, and from contention. Bring 
them into close cooperation and harmony, that all their 
forces may be united for the common cause. Kindle in 
their hearts an increasing love for all Christians, and a new 
desire to join with all sincere disciples of the Master in 
making his gospel triumphant in all the earth. Grant 
that all the churches of Christ may seek a true Chris- 
tian unity, that the Captain of our salvation may lead his 
united hosts to victory in a world redeemed ; through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Communion of Saints 

God, the Father everlasting, whom the glorious hosts 
of heaven obey, and in whose presence patriarchs, prophets, 

1 Common Prayer. 

2 John Hunter. 

196 



Prayers and Collects 

apostles, martyrs, with all the spirits of the just made per- 
fect, continually do live; fix the eye of our faith, we be- 
seech Thee, with clear and full vision, on the great cloud 
of witnesses wherewith we are thus compassed about, that 
laying aside every weight, and the sin that doth so easily 
■ beset us, we may run with patience the race that is set 
before us, and obtain at last the crown of everlasting life; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen} 

Prayers for the Kingdom of God 

For Missions and Missionaries 
Eternal Father, who art loving unto every man, and 
hast given thy Son to be the Saviour of the world ; grant 
that the pure light of his gospel may overcome the darkness 
of idolatry in every land, and that all thy lost children, 
dwelling in far countries, may be brought home to thee. 
Revive the spirit of missions in thy church, that all thy 
people may earnestly desire the conversion of mankind; 
and so quicken our hearts that there may be a larger out- 
pouring of prayer and gifts and personal service, to advance 
the worldwide triumph of thy kingdom. Protect the 
messengers of the gospel amid all perils; guide them 
through all perplexities; give them wisdom, strength 
and courage, to make known by word and life the grace 
of our Lord Jesus; prosper all that they do in his blessed 
name, to serve the bodies and the souls of rnen ; and hasten, 
we beseech thee, the promised day, when at the name of 
Jesus every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess that 
he is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.^ 

For the Kingdom of God 

God, we thank Thee that even when the world is rent 
with strife and confusion, and when we are compassed 
with darkness and dismay, we may look up and see the 
signs of the coming of the Son of Man, in whom right- 
eousness is to win its final victory and peace its un- 
troubled reign. Help us to perceive more and more clearly 
that in every manifestation of the consequences of evil as 
well as in every faithful deed and work, and in every ad- 
vance of social justice and human uplift He draws nearer 
whose Kingdom has no end. Amen. 

1 Scotch Book of Common Order. 

2 Book of Common Worship, by permission of the Presbyterian 
Board of Publication. 

197 



Book of Church Services 

For the Kingdom of God 
Father in heaven, whose purpose for mankind is one of 
infinite love, we praise thee for thy promise of that coming 
time when the knowledge of God shall fill the earth as the 
waters cover the sea. We thank thee that Christ came 
saying. The kingdom of heaven is at hand, and that he 
has sent forth his church to make earth a heaven by filling 
all human life with the spirit and ideals of our Master. 
Grant that thy living presence in the church may empower 
it for this great task. Purify it, that there may be in its 
thought no alloy of falsehood, in its heart no poison of 
selfishness. Help it to grapple courageously with giant 
wrongs which have long cursed humanity. Drive out 
injustice from the world, and fill it with brotherly kindness. 
Pour into all hearts sympathy for the suffering, and trans- 
form our social order by the law of love. May the dark 
places of the earth be illumined by the light of Christ till 
all shadows vanish. And may the time be hastened when 
all the kingdoms of the world shall become the kingdoms 
of our Lord and of his Christ. Amen. 

Prayers for Special Occasions 

For Schools 
O Father of Lights and Fountain of all knowledge, bless, 
we beseech thee, all schools, universities and places of 
learning, and grant that the light of truth may shine with 
growing brightness on all men, so that wisdom and knowl- 
edge may be the stability of our times. Shine into our 
minds with the knowledge of thyself, and incline our 
hearts to understanding. Grant to us that we may love 
the laws of thy kingdom, and rejoice in the works which 
thou hast made, that in thy light we may see light, and 
in thy service find perfect freedom. Amen.^ 

For Travelers 
O thou who art the confidence of all the ends of the earth, 
and of them that are far off upon the sea, we commend to 
thine Almighty protection all travelers by sea and land; 
overshadow them with thy mercy, and surround them with 
thy love. When they cry unto thee in distress, do thou 
mercifully send them help and deliverance. Go with 
them on their journey, and grant to those who are far 

1 Scotch Book of Common Order. 

198 



'i 



Prayers and Collects 

from their homes that they may revisit them, in thy good 
time, in peace. Amen} 

For a Service at Sea 
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, from thy presence 
we cannot escape, and to thee our every movement and 
way is known. Thou art with us in our peaceful homes 
and on the pathless seas. May we see thee in all things, 
and all things in .thee. May we feel that the winds are 
thy messengers, and that thou rulest the raging of the sea. 
Always stronger than our fears may our trust be. Show 
us thy wonders in the deep, make us sensible of thy power 
and goodness, and stay our minds on thee. To thy gra- 
cious protection we commend our dear ones at home. And 
may we be brought back in due time, in comfort 
and safety, to bless thy name and confess thy merciful and 
faithful care. Amen.'^ 

A Flower Service 
Eternal Goodness! who givest loveliness to the earth 
and gladness to the heart, we worship thee. We praise 
thee for the wonderful life of summer; for the beauty 
spread upon the hills, and for the flowers that fill the valleys 
with sweetness. This morning, while the light and music 
and fragrance that fill the air call us to rejoice, grant that 
our minds and souls may be open to all heavenly influences. 
O Life that breathest in all the sweet and fair things which 
grow and bloom upon the earth, wilt thou not quicken us? 
Spirit of beauty and goodness ! come and dwell with us 
that henceforth our lives may be in accord with thine order, 
and be well pleasing in thy sight. Amen.^ 

Christmas 
Almighty God, whom once the nations worshipped under 
names of fear, but who hast revealed the glory of thy love 
in the face of Jesus Christ, and called us by him to live 
with thee as children; fill our hearts, as we remember 
his nativity, with the gladness of this great redemption. 
We would join in the heavenly song of Glory to God in 
the highest, on earth peace, and good-will toward men. 
Breathe into our hearts the spirit of Jesus that we may be 
led to thee in trust and obedience, and be sent out to live 

1 Scotch Book of Common Order. 

2 John Hunter. 
« Ihid. 

199 



Book of Church Services 

among men in brotherly love and sympathy. Every year, 
as this joyful festival comes round, may it find the world 
more and more in harmony with thy will which has been 
made known to us through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen} 

At the Beginning of the Year 
Almighty and eternal God, with whom one day is as a 
thousand years, and a thousand years as one day; we 
bring thee thanks and praise for thy blessings, more than 
we can number, with which thou has crowned our lives 
during the year now past; and, since thy mercies are 
ever new, let the year which has now begun be to us a 
year of grace and salvation. Have pity upon us in our 
misery, whose days are as the grass; deliver us from the 
vanity of our fallen nature, and establish us in the fellow- 
ship of that life which is the same yesterday, and today, 
and for ever. Graciously protect and conduct us through 
the uncertainties of this new year of our earthly pilgrimage; 
prepare us for its duties and trials, its joys and sorrows; 
help us to watch and pray, and to be always ready like 
men that wait for their Lord ; and grant that every change, 
whether it be of prosperity or adversity, of life or death, 
may bring us nearer to thee, and to that great eternal 
joy and rest, which after the years of this vain earthly life, 
await the faithful in thy blissful presence; when we shall 
unite with angels and saints in ascribing blessing, and 
honor, and glory, and power, unto Him who sitteth upon 
the throne, and unto the Lamb, for ever and ever. Amen?" 

Palm Sunday 

Lord Jesus Christ, who on this day didst enter the 
rebellious city where thou wast to die; enter into our 
hearts, we beseech thee, and subdue them wholly to thy- 
self. And as thy faithful disciples blessed thy coming, 
and spread their garments in the way, covering it with 
palm branches, may we be ready to lay at thy feet all 
that we have and are, and to bless thee, O thou who 
comest in the name of the Lord. And grant that after 
having confessed and worshipped thee upon the earth, 
we may be among the number of those who shall hail 
thine eternal triumphs, and bear in their hands the palms 
of victory, when every knee shall bow before thee, and 

1 John Hunter. 

2 Scotch Book of Common Order. 

200 



Prayers and Collects 

every tongue confess that thou art Lord, and that thou 
shalt reign for ever and ever. Amen} 

Palm Sunday 

Almighty God, Fountain of Strength, send us thy help. 
Help us to cast out of the temple of our hearts everything 
which in our moments of clear and solemn vision we know 
ought not to be there; every temper and passion and de- 
sire that cannot bear the searching scrutiny of Divine 
purity and love. O God, our peace, dwell in us more and 
more. Dwell in our minds as Truth, in our hearts as 
Charity, in our wills as Strength, and nevermore leave 
thy temple. Amen,'^ 

Good Friday 

Almighty God, who in the life and teaching of thy Son 
hast showed unto us the true way of blessedness, thou 
hast also showed us in his sufferings and death that the 
path of duty may lead to the cross, and the reward of 
faithfulness may be a crown of thorns. Give us grace to 
learn these harder lessons. May we take up our cross 
and follow Christ in the strength of patience and the con- 
stancy of faith; and may we have such fellowship with 
him in his sorrow that we may know the secret of his 
strength and peace, and see, even in our darkest hour of 
trial and anguish, the shining of the eternal light. Amen.^ 

The Resurrection of the Lord 

Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who 
didst raise up thy Son from the dead and give him glory, 
that our faith and hope might be in thee; quicken us also, 
we beseech thee, by thy mighty power, from the death 
of sin to the life of righteousness, and cause us to set our 
affections on things above; so that we may, at the last 
day, have part in the resurrection of the just, and in the 
glory of thy heavenly kingdom, whither Jesus the Fore- 
runner is for us entered, where also he liveth and reigneth 
with thee and the Holy Ghost, God blessed for ever. 
Amen^ 

1 Scotch Book of Common Order. 

2 John Hunter. 

3 Ibid. 

* Scotch Book of Common Order. 

201 



Book of Church Services 

The Descent of the Holy Spirit 
God of all peace and consolation, who didst gloriously 
fulfil the great promise of the Gospel by sending down the 
Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, to establish the Church 
as the house of his continual presence and power among 
men; mercifully grant us, we beseech thee, this same gift 
of the Spirit, to renew, illuminate, refresh, and sanctify 
our souls; to be over us and around us like the light and 
dew of heaven, and to be in us evermore as a well of water 
springing up into everlasting life; through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen} 

For Forefather's Day 
A Thanksgiving for the Pilgrim Fathers 

Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, God of our fathers 
and our God, we give thee most humble and hearty thanks 
for thy servants who came across w^intry seas at peril of 
life and fortune to establish upon these shores an emanci- 
pated church and a godly commonwealth. 

We thank thee for their courage and perseverance, their 
fidelity to truth and justice, their devotion to the purity of 
the Church of Christ and the coming of the Kingdom of 
God. And we pray that we who have entered into the 
heritage of their heroism and self-sacrifice m.ay so honor 
their memory and so preserve and further their high pur- 
poses that the church and nation which they founded may 
stand in all coming years for truth and righteousness and 
peace, and may ever seek the formation of that kingdom 
for which they lived and died; through Jesus Christ their 
Lord and ours. Amen. 

For Independence Day 
Almighty God, whose gracious Providence was manifest 
in the establishment and development of our Republic, 
grant us thy blessing as today we celebrate the anniversary 
of its birth. We thank thee for the courage and vision of 
the heroic men who dared to set aside the traditions of the 
past, and who boldly created here a free and independent 
nation which has been a beacon of liberty to all the world. 
We thank thee for thy guidance in the expanding life of 
the nation, so that thy leadership in our affairs is as 
clearly seen as when the pillar of cloud by day and of fire 
by night went before thy people of old. We thank thee 

1 Scotch Book of Common Order. 

202 



1 



Prayers and Cohcts 

that In every great national crisis, inpeace and in war, 
thou hast dehvered us from threateniig perils and hast 
given us increasing strength for the ser^ce of humanity. 
Graciously guard, we beseech thee, the Republic toward 
which thou hast shown thy loving favor. Bless our Presi- 
dent and all other public servants, that hey may wisdy 
lead the nation in its progress toward sti) better things 
Bless the people that we may be free fron all that can 
narrow or cripple our lives, that we may beielivered from 
greed and lawlessness, and may lift high the ideals of 
justice, liberty and brotherhood. Bring al the varied 
elements of our nation into close accord bythe spirit of 
mutual sympathy and service. Make this laid which we 
love an increasing blessing to all within its k)rders and 
to the whole world. Amen. 

For Memorial Day 
Lord God of Hosts, in whom our fathers truted and 
found their faith rewarded by thy gracious care, bless us 
today as we commemorate their valor and their acrifice. 
We thank thee for the brave men who In the timeof con- 
flict were ready to lay down their lives if need bf in the 
cause of liberty and righteousness. We thank tiee ^or 
what they did and suffered on our behalf, in unflnchiri^ 
loyalty to this union of free states, in order that pooulai 
self-government might not perish from the earth. Unite 
all the people of this great nation in a holy purpcse to 
defend the principles of freedom and brotherhool for 
which they lived and died. Help us to emulate the byalty 
of these heroic men. And may the nation, whici they 
helped to establish on an enduring foundation, le ever 
true to the great ideals of the founders, and ^in in- 
creasing prosperity as it offers to all beneath its fla[ justice 
and equal rights. Purge the land from Its evils, and fill 
it with the spirit of Christ. Make It a mighty kctor in 
changing the whole world into a kingdom of hea\en; and 
we will praise thee evermore. Amen. 

Evening Prayers 

Evening Prayer 

Sustain us through all the long day of this rrortal "life, 

until the shadows lengthen, and the evening comes, and 

the busy world is hushed, and life's fever is over, and our 

work is done. Then, O Lord, grant us a safe lodging a 

203 



/ 

Book yf Church Services 

holy rest, and pece at last, through Jesus Christ our 
Lord. Amen. 

Evening Prayer 

O 6od, who fastest not, neither art weary, whose ever- 
lasting work is >till fresh as thy creative thought; we 
Kess thee for t^e pity of night and sleep, giving us the 
rest thou nevertieedest. We would lie down each evening 
in peace and thankfulness, and commit the folded hours 
to thee. But O Lord, through toil and repose, save us 
from any fata slumber of the spirit ; and keep us through 
life to the h>ly vigils of love and service, as they that 
watch for tb morning of eternity. Amen} 

Evening Prayer 
O God,A^ho hast given the day to man for labor, and the 
night for rest, protect us by thy watchful providence 
during tie coming night, and all the nights and days of 
our pilgimage. Cover all our sins with thy mercy, as 
thou covrest the earth with darkness during the night. 
And whn our days are ended, and our work is finished in 
this wold, may we depart hence in the blessed assurance 
of thy avor, and in the certain hope of the resurrection 
tc imnortal life, which thou hast given us in our Lord 
;;nd Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.^ 

Evening Prayer 

O jod, with whom there is no darkness, but the night 
shineh as the day, keep and defend us, and all thy people, 
in sod and body, during the coming night. May we rest 
in the consciousness of thy favor; in the peace of a good 
conscieice; in the hope of a better life; in the faith of thy 
providence; in the love of thy Spirit. 

May vve rise up again to diligence in our several callings, 
to work the work of God while the day lasts, seeing the 
night Cometh in which no man can work. And whether 
we wakeor sleep, may we live together with Christ. A7nen,^ 

Evening Prayer 
Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee, O Lord, and by 
thy grea: mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of 
this nigh;; for the love of thine only Son, our Saviour, 
Jesus Christ. Amen} 

ijohn Hinter. 

^Scotch Book of Common Order. 

' Ibid. 

' Common Prayer. 

204 



ASCRIPTIONS OF PRAISE 
1 

Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly 
above all that we ask or think, according to the power that 
worketh in us; unto Him be glory in the church by Christ 
Jesus, throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. 

2 

Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and 
to present you faultless before the presence of His glory 
with exceeding joy; to the only wise God our Saviour, be 
glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and 
ever. Amen. 

3 

Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins 
in His own blood, and hath made us kings and priests 
unto God, His Father; to Him be glory and dominion for 
ever and ever. Amen. 

4 

Now unto the blessed and only Potentate, the King of 
kings and Lord of lords; who only hath immortality, 
dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; 
whom no man hath seen or can see: to Him be honor and 
power everlasting. Amen. 

5 
Now unto the God of all grace, who hath called us unto 
His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, be glory and dominion 
for ever and ever. Amen. 

6 
Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and 
honor, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever 
and ever. Amen. 

7 
Great and marvelous are thy works. Lord God Almighty; 
just and true are thy ways, thou king of saints. Who shall 
not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? For thou 
only art holy. Amen. 

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8 
Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, 
and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and 
glory, and blessing. Amen, 

9 
Blessing, and honor, and glory and power be unto Him 
that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever 
and ever. Amen, 



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BENEDICTIONS 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. 
Amen. 

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, 
and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. 

Amen, 

The peace of God which passeth all understanding, keep 
your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, 
and of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of 
God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, 
be amongst you and remain with you always. Amen. 

May the God of all grace, who hath called you unto 
himself in Christ, perfect, establish, strengthen you, and 
to him be the glory for ever. Amen. 

May the peace of God rule in your hearts ; and the word 
of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom. Amen. 

Now the God of peace, who brought again from the 
dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 
make you perfect in every good work to do his will, work- 
ing in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through 
Jesus Christ; to whom be the glory for ever and ever. 
Amen. 

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in 
believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power 
of the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

The Lord bless you and keep you : 

The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be 
gracious unto you: 

The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you 
peace. Amen. 



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